CAIRO – Britain launched its largest trade mission to Egypt in over a decade on Tuesday, involving more than 40 companies from the top foreign investor in the Arab world’s most populous country. The meeting in a palace-turned-hotel focused on developing the energy, real estate and construction sectors, as well …
Read More »Large sharks close beaches at Australian city of Newcastle for a 7th day during tourist season
SYDNEY – Beaches at the Australian city of Newcastle were closed for a seventh day on Friday after at least two large sharks were sighted in coastal waters. A 5-meter (16-foot) great white shark estimated to weigh 1.7 metric tons (1.9 tons) had been spotted daily since last Saturday until …
Read More »West Bank official: Palestinians pay civil servants partial salaries after Israeli freeze
JERUSALEM – A West Bank official says the Palestinian government has paid only partial salaries to its civil servants after Israel’s freezing of the transfer of taxes it collects for the Palestinians according to a previous agreement between the sides. Abd El Rahman Bayatneh, a spokesman for the Palestinian finance …
Read More »Rights group: Planned flogging of Saudi blogger delayed for second week on medical grounds
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – An international human rights organization says the planned flogging of a Saudi blogger convicted of insulting Islam has been delayed for a second straight week. The London-based Amnesty International says that around eight doctors carried out medical tests on Raif Badawi and recommended that he …
Read More »Denmark spends $9 million on de-radicalizing extremists, including returning former fighters
COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Denmark has earmarked 60.9 million kroner ($9.2 million) over the next three years for programs to de-radicalize Islamic extremists, including those who have fought with jihadi groups in Syria and Iraq. Justice Minister Mette Frederiksen said Tuesday most of the money will be used for efforts to …
Read More »Belgian authorities detain 4 in anti-terror sweep linked to Syria fighters
BRUSSELS – Belgian authorities have detained four suspects during an anti-terror sweep linked to the recruitment of potential jihadis to go fight in Syria. Police searched 22 homes mostly in northeastern Belgium early Friday but found no weapons, explosives or ammunition. The federal prosecutor’s office said in a statement the …
Read More »Trinidad leader fires attorney general, security minister after witness tampering allegations
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Trinidad’s leader has fired her attorney general and the national security minister over allegations they participated in witness tampering. In a televised address late Monday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she could not determine the truth of the allegations against the two officials. But she said the …
Read More »Japan says it will never give in to terrorism _ aid but no troops to fight terrorist groups
UNITED NATIONS – Japan says it will never give in to terrorism and will continue providing non-military assistance for the fight against the Islamic State and other extremist groups — but not military troops or equipment “at this point.” Japan sent Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura to the United …
Read More »Canada's prime minister announces cabinet shuffle amid turmoil
TORONTO – Canada’s prime minister has announced a cabinet shuffle amid turmoil in his Conservative government. Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Monday that Rob Nicholson is the new foreign minister and Jason Kenney is the new defense minister. Nicholson moves over from defense. Kenney will give up his position as …
Read More »AP Interview: Hungary foreign minister says 'can't afford not to talk to Russia' on gas supply
BUDAPEST, Hungary – Hungary’s foreign minister says his country “cannot afford not to talk to Russia” about ensuring gas supplies. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told The Associated Press Thursday that because of the cancellation of two natural gas pipeline projects, Nabucco and South Stream, “the only way to ensure energy …
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