Monday, March 31, 2014

World News Briefs -- March 31, 2014


North And South Korea Exchange Fire Across Western Sea Border -- BBC

North and South Korea have exchanged fire into the sea across the disputed western sea border, South Korea says.

North Korea announced early on Monday that it would hold live-fire drills in seven parts of the border area.

South Korea says it returned fire after North Korean shells landed in its territorial waters.

The area has been a flashpoint between the two Koreas. The UN drew the western border after the Korean War, but North Korea has never recognised it.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Turkish PM claims landslide election win. Erdogan declares victory in Turkey election and turns on opposition.

Turkey accused of sending fighters to Syria.

Report: 2 Spanish journalists kidnapped in Syria arrive home.

US mulls giving missiles to Syria rebels.

US mediators try to rescue Mideast peace talks.

Israel offers Palestinians new talks proposal.

Ehud Olmert, former Israeli prime minister, found guilty of bribery.

ASIA

Report: N. Korea fires on South during North's military drills; South responds.

China calls for calm after Koreas fire artillery into ocean.

North Korea promises ‘new form’ of nuclear test.

Japan and North Korea hold 1st senior talks in 16 months.

Pakistan's Musharraf charged in treason case. Pervez Musharraf pleads not guilty to treason charges in Pakistan court.

MH370: Hopes dashed as orange objects turn out to be fishing equipment. Malaysia flight MH370: No time limit on search, says Tony Abbott.

Credibility of Afghan vote in doubt as observers flee violence.

Philippines stands by rejection of Beijing's claims to South China Sea.

Japan accepts court ban on Antarctic whaling.

AFRICA

Western nations condemn continued rights violations in South Sudan.

Amnesty: 1,500 killed this year by extremists and military reprisals in Nigerian uprising. Boko Haram Giwa barracks attack: Nigerian army 'killed hundreds'.

Few safe places for Central African Republic’s muslims.

AU drive against al-Shabab faces Somalia’s rainy season.

Egypt to hold May 26-27 presidential election.

Ebola: Liberia confirms cases, Senegal shuts border.

Saadi Gaddafi paraded on Libyan televsion to apologise for his sins.

EUROPE

In highest-level Moscow visit since annexation, Russian PM arrives in Crimea. Ukraine: Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev in Crimea visit.

In tense, defiant Ukraine border region, prayers are for peace -- unless peace fails.

Russia 'starts' Ukraine border pullout.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry meet in Paris.

Russians unconcerned about western sanctions over Crimea – poll.

German execs criticize West for allowing Russia tension to rise.

Kremlin critic Khodorkovsky granted residency in Switzerland.

France's Front National claims biggest victory in its history. French elections deal blow to Hollande, unprecedented win for far-right.

Scottish independence: Minister says 'Yes' vote possible.

AMERICAS

GOP senators back Bush-era missile defense system to punish Putin.

Report: Obama administration released 68,000 convicted criminal aliens last year.

Venezuela troops take back protest-torn city.

Mexican forces kill 10 Zeta cartel suspects in gunfight.

Brazil forces occupy favela ahead of World Cup.

Moment of silence in Washington State for mudslide victims.

Boston bombing exhibit includes shoes, runner bibs.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Report: Review finds torture methods not key in bin Laden hunt.

'Britain's jails turning into breeding ground for terrorists': Figures reveal 42% of inmates at one high-security prison are Muslim and bosses fear inmates could be radicalised.

France in new tack to fight roots of terrorism.

Al Qaeda's American propagandist notes death of terror group's representative in Syria.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Western banking regulations costly and 'mutually destructive' – IMF report.

Apple and Samsung patent row back in court.

UN panel: Humans affecting climate, governments need plans to adapt.

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