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Bahrain protester convicted of killing policeman sentenced to death
A court in Bahrain on Wednesday sentenced a Shiite protester to death and jailed six others for life after they were convicted of killing a policeman a year ago, AFP reported. Two others were sentenced to five and six years in prison respectively on similar charges. Police officer, Mohammad Atef, died on February 14, 2013, after he was hit by a petrol bomb during clashes with protesters in a village near the capital.
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7 people killed, 128 wounded in Beirut twin blasts
At least 7 people were killed and 128 wounded in the twin blasts in Beirut’s Bir Hasan neighborhood on Wednesday morning, the Daily Star newspaper reports, citing Lebanese security sources. Seven people are in “critical condition,” the country’s Red Cross said. Twin suicide car bombings targeted the Iranian Cultural Center in a busy Beirut suburb Wednesday. The Al-Qaeda-linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades claimed responsibility, saying the attacks were carried out in retaliation to Hezbollah’s and Iran’s roles in the Syrian war.
UNSC resolution on aid in Syria to be agreed in coming days – Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said the UN resolution on aid access in Syria can be agreed in “coming days,” Itar-Tass reported. If the issue of humanitarian situation in Syria is not politicized, and one-sided approaches are not proposed in the UN Security Council, the document can be agreed, he said. Moscow earlier criticized the Western-Arab draft resolution on the issue.
Al-Qaeda-linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades claim Beirut bombings
The Al-Qaeda-linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades claimed responsibility on Wednesday for the twin suicide bombings that struck the Beirut neighborhood of Bir Hasan, the Daily Star newspaper reports. Two car bombs were behind the blasts that killed five and wounded 80 others, police said. The group, on its Twitter feed, also claimed responsibility for the November-19 twin suicide attack targeting the Iranian Embassy that killed dozens, including an Iranian official.
Iran’s Khamenei orders creation of ‘economy of resistance’
Iran’s supreme leader has ordered the government to create an “economy of resistance” to counter Western sanctions. In comments posted on his website on Wednesday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the sanctions “a full-fledged economic war,” adding that Iran is determined to force the West to retreat. The program requires the government to diversify Iran’s exports, reduce dependence on sales of raw materials and promote high-tech industries.
At least 2 dead as blast hits neighborhood in South Beirut
At least two people were killed by a car bomb that hit the Beirut neighborhood of Bir Hasan during the morning rush hour on Wednesday, local media say. The explosion occurred in a predominantly Shiite area near the Iranian cultural center and the Kuwaiti Embassy, according to the Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV. Six people were reportedly wounded.
Australian Christian missionary detained in Pyongyang
An Australian man has been arrested while doing missionary work in North Korea, his wife told Reuters on Wednesday. John Short, 75, was arrested in Pyongyang on Sunday and had been open about his religious work on his second trip to the state. Short was in possession of religious materials that had been translated into Korean. North Korea has held American missionary Kenneth Bae for more than a year and convicted him of trying to overthrow the state.
China can prevent 13 million tobacco-related deaths by 2050
China can prevent nearly 13 million tobacco-related deaths by 2050 by fully implementing a set of neglected anti-smoking policies, researchers said Wednesday. The estimated number of lives saved would result from a 40-percent lower smoking rate than that projected on current trends, AFP reported, citing a paper in the British Medical Journal. Without any change, it said, China risked accumulating more than 50 million tobacco deaths between 2012 and 2050 – the largest burden of any nation.
Libyan rebels give MPs ultimatum in coup threat
The Libyan interim assembly said it was facing an impending coup on Tuesday after a group of ex-rebel militias issued a five-hour deadline to hand over power. Powerful militias from the western town of Zintan gave the General National Congress, Libya’s highest authority, the deadline, or said it would kidnap any lawmaker. Commanders from the Zintan militias appeared on television on Tuesday and blamed the Muslim Brotherhood and “ideological and extremist groups” for the country’s chronic instability since the 2011 uprising that toppled the four-decade rule of Muammar Gaddafi.
Syrian rockets hit Golan Heights just after Netanyahu visit
Two rockets fired from Syria hit the Israeli-occupied Golan heights on Tuesday, shortly after a visit to a field hospital treating injured Syrians by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon and army chief Lieutenant General Benny Gantz. Israel annexed the plateau during the 1967 Six Day War and since the civil war in Syria erupted in 2011, stray shells have frequently hit the Israeli side, which has occasionally responded.
Turkish government in talks with opposition over controversial internet bill
The Turkish government has submitted proposals to amend a disputed internet bill, which was passed by parliament a week ago. There are also calls for President Abdullah Gul to veto it. The first amendment proposes that Turkey’s Directorate of Telecommunication (TIB) be unable to block access to web pages and instead must send its decision to a court, which must decide itself within 24 hours, or the initial TIB decision become void.The second amendment is aimed at making sure information on internet traffic would be collected using IP and subscriber numbers, instead of URL’s, which are seen as more insidious.
White House opposes supply of shoulder-fired missiles to Syria rebels
The US is opposed to the supply of shoulder-fired missiles, capable of taking down warplanes, to rebel forces in Syria, Reuters quoted a senior Obama administration official as saying on Tuesday. The Wall Street Journal said on Friday that Saudi Arabia had offered to give Syrian rebels Chinese portable air defense systems, and anti-tank guided missiles from Russia. The administration “remains opposed” to any provision of such systems to the Syrian opposition, the official said.
9 killed, 14 troops seized in south Yemen clash
Nine people were reportedly killed and 14 soldiers kidnapped on Tuesday after a clash between gunmen and Yemeni troops in the southern city of Dalea. Gunmen attacked a truck carrying food supplies, Reuters reported, citing defense ministry officials. In the ensuing clash, four soldiers and one officer were killed and 14 others were abducted by the gunmen. Four civilians, including a child, were also killed in the incident, according to witnesses. Dalea is considered a stronghold for separatists demanding restoration of the former state of South Yemen, which merged with the North in 1990.
Fourth person dies in Venezuela unrest
A student protester died in eastern Venezuela after being hit by a vehicle. This is the fourth fatality during political unrest over the past week, Reuters reported. Residents and opposition activists said on Tuesday that the 17-year-old student was struck by a vehicle during a demonstration late on Monday in the coastal town of Carupano in Sucre state.
Iran, world powers begin talks on final nuclear deal
Six world powers and Iran began talks on Tuesday in pursuit of a final settlement on Tehran’s disputed nuclear program in the coming months, Reuters said. Both sides warned that a breakthrough deal may prove impossible. It is the first round of high-level negotiations since a November-24 interim deal. It has seen Tehran curb some nuclear activities for six months in return for limited relief from sanctions.
Egypt prosecutor charges 2 ‘Israeli agents,’ 2 Egyptians with spying
Egypt’s public prosecutor on Tuesday charged two men it said were Israeli intelligence agents, Reuters reported. Two Egyptians were also charged with conspiring in Israel’s interests, according to the prosecutor’s office. Ramzy Mohamed, Sahar Ibrahim, Samuel Ben Zeev and David Wisemen – two officers in the Israeli Mossad – were to be sent to a Cairo criminal court for spying for the interests of the state of Israel, it said.
Taliban kills senior Pakistan officer as talks suspended
A senior Pakistani army officer was killed on Tuesday in an exchange of fire with the Taliban, the military said. The exchange of fire continues, Reuters reported, citing the army’s press wing. The attack took place near the volatile city of Peshawar on the Afghan border. Peace negotiations between the government and the insurgents broke down a day earlier.
Magnitude 6.7 earthquake strikes off Barbados
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off the Caribbean island of Barbados on Tuesday morning, the US Geological Survey said. The quake was 126 miles (202km) northeast of the capital Bridgetown at a depth of 20 miles (32km). The quake, which struck shortly before dawn, did not immediately appear to have had any notable impact in the capital Bridgetown, Reuters said.
At least 23 people killed in Baghdad, Hilla
Bomb attacks hit the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, and the southern city of Hilla on Tuesday, killing at least 23 people, Reuters reported, citing police and hospital sources. The deadliest attack took place in the predominantly Shiite Muslim district of Bayaa in Baghdad, when a bomb inside a parked vehicle exploded near a bus station, killing five and wounding 24. Three car bombs went off in different places in the city of Hilla, while four more car bombs exploded in nearby towns.
Militant group warns tourists to leave Egypt before Feb 20
The Islamist militant group, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, has warned tourists to leave Egypt “before it’s too late.” It also threatened, on an affiliated Twitter account, to attack anyone who stays in the country after the February-20 deadline, Reuters said. The Sinai-based group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed two South Korean tourists and an Egyptian on Sunday.
Thailand’s anti-corruption body files charges against PM Shinawatra
Thailand’s anti-corruption body said on Tuesday it had filed charges against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Reuters reported. These relate to irregularities in the government’s rice-buying scheme. “Although she knew that many people had warned about corruption in the scheme, she still continued with it,” said Vicha Mahakhun, a member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The premier was summoned to face the charges on February 27. The government introduced the scheme in 2011, paying farmers way above the market price for their grain.
Police, protesters clash near Ukraine’s parliament
Several thousand protesters clashed with police near the Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday, Reuters reported. The demonstrators had been prevented from marching to the building as the parliament gathered for a key session. Protesters who were blocked by a line of trucks about 100 meters short of the building started to hurl stones at police. Police used stun and smoke grenades to break up the crowds. In the building, deputies from opposition factions blocked the presidium and rostrum.
Protester killed by gunfire in street clashes in Thai capital
A male protester, aged 52, was killed by gunfire in street clashes in the Thai capital on Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing Erawan Medical Center officials. The man was the second person killed in violence that erupted after security forces moved to clear anti-government demonstrators from streets in the center of Bangkok. Earlier reports suggested a police officer had been killed.
S. Sudan rebels launch attack on key oil town
Rebel forces in South Sudan launched a major assault early on Tuesday against the key town of Malakal, the government-controlled capital of the oil-rich Upper Nile state, AFP said, citing witnesses. “There is fighting on the outskirts of the town. It’s a very big, coordinated attack,” an independent source said. The fighting is the heaviest since the government of President Salva Kiir and rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar signed a ceasefire agreement in neighboring Ethiopia on 23 January.
China won’t accept UN criticism on N. Korea abuses
China said on Tuesday that it cannot accept criticism from UN investigators who said Beijing might be “aiding and abetting crimes against humanity” by sending migrants and defectors back to North Korea, Reuters reported. UN investigators said on Monday that North Korean security chiefs and possibly even the leader, Kim Jong-un himself, should face international justice for human rights abuses.
Toll rises to 23 as second Japan snow storm leaves thousands stranded
Thousands were stranded on Tuesday as parts of Japan struggled after its second storm in a week. By Tuesday, at least 23 people had died, including some killed in traffic accidents or by being caught under snow that fell from roofs, Reuters reported. Several died in cars stuck in the snow. The storm dumped more than a meter of snow in parts of central Japan and blanketed the capital with record snow for the second weekend in a row. Thousands of households lost power and hundreds of flights were canceled. Train services were disrupted and highways closed.
Policeman killed, 44 injured as security forces raid Bangkok protest sites
A Thai policeman was shot dead as security forces clashed with protesters during a raid to reclaim besieged government buildings in Bangkok Tuesday. “One policeman was shot dead and four injured,” Police Lieutenant General Prawut Thavornsiri told AFP. One of the casualties was seriously injured by shrapnel from a blast. A total of 44 people were hurt, according to the city’s Erawan emergency medical center. Demonstrators rejected a police demand to leave the area around the prime minister’s offices within one hour.
Eurogroup says troika to return to Greece this week
A mission of international lenders will return to Greece later this week to review progress made in delivering on the country’s reforms, the chairman of eurozone finance ministers, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, has said. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Commission and the European Central Bank interrupted a visit to Athens last year because there was no progress in discussions with Greek authorities. This has held up disbursements of loans due since September 2013, Reuters said. The main sticking point is how Athens would plug a gap in this year’s budget, estimated at 1 billion euro.
Russia to buy second $2 billion tranche of Ukrainian eurobonds
Russia will purchase another tranche of Ukrainian eurobonds worth $2 billion, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters on Monday. “This week, two billion,” Siluanov said while answering the question about when Russia is to get the next tranche. In mid-December 2013 Russia agreed to grant Ukraine a $15 billion loan and a 33 percent gas discount. At the end of last year Russia bought the first bonds worth $3 billion dollars at 5 percent interest. As part of the agreement Moscow will use $5 billion it holds in the form of a Special Drawing Rights (SDR), with another $10 billion coming from the National Welfare Fund. At the end of January Ukraine said it would issue another $2 billion worth of government bonds to Russia, with the same conditions as the previous $3 billion bond sale in December.
Riot at Australia’s detention camp in PNG
1 asylum seeker dead, over 75 injured during
One asylum seeker was killed and at least 77 others were injured during the second riot in a week at a detention centre in Papua New Guinea, Reuters quoted Australia’s Immigration Minister as saying on Tuesday. The centre is used for processing asylum seekers trying to come to Australia. Clashes began as asylum seekers broke out of the centre. One of the injured was in critical condition. The centre is part of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s policy against asylum seekers and has faced criticism over human rights concerns. “Our sympathies are extended to the transferees – that person’s family and friends who would have been in the facility as well,” Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said in reference to the dead asylum seeker. “If people choose to remove themselves from that centre then they’re obviously putting themselves at much greater risk and in an environment where there is violent behaviour.”
10 killed in South Korea building collapse
Ten people were killed and 23 injured when a building collapsed in South Korea’s south-eastern city of Gyeongju, Reuters quoted emergency officials as saying. During the collapse the building was hosting a welcoming party for new university students, with a total of 560 students in attendance at the auditorium of the golf resort. Heavy snow on top of the roof is cited as the cause for the collapse, according to fire department officials. Nine of the dead were students. Dozens of others were trapped inside, but all of the victims were successfully rescued several hours later.
Military police raid offices of Venezuelan opposition party
Venezuelan military intelligence officers are reported to have raided the headquarters of the country’s opposition party, Popular Will. Several of the party’s officials alleged armed officers arrived at the office, threw tear gas, and attempted to remove several individuals from the premises. “The intelligence officers arrived and began to harass us,” said party activist Adriangela Ruiz. Security camera footage provided by Popular Will, which has not been independently verified, showed officers entering the party’s offices armed with guns. Venezuela’s government has issued an arrest warrant for Leopoldo Lopez, Popular Will’s founder, who has been accused by the Maduro administration of inciting violence and acts of terrorism.
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