North Korea’s new leader, Kim Jong Un delivered his first-ever televised speech Sunday during a major military parade to make the 100th anniversary of the birth of his grandfather. Wearing a black Mao suit, Mr. Kim told huge cheering crowds in the capital, Pyongyang, that he offered his “purest respect and the greatest honor to […]
Kim Jong Un Delivers First Public Speech
US Seeks Deeper Partnership with Americas
U.S. President Barack Obama, attending a two-day regional summit in Cartagena, Colombia, said Saturday Washington wants deeper economic relations in the western hemisphere, but that existing barriers hamper greater integration. More than 30 heads of state and government are taking part in the sixth Summit of the Americas hosted by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos. […]
US Military Staff, Secret Service Accused of Misconduct in Colombia
The U.S. Secret Service says 11 employees sent to Colombia ahead of President Barack Obama’s visit have been returned home and placed on administrative leave pending an investigation of alleged misconduct that involved prostitution. Also Saturday, the U.S. military announced that five military staff assigned to support the Secret Service in its assignment have been […]
Iran, Western Powers Hail Latest Nuclear Talks
Talks in Istanbul between world powers and Iran over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program ended Saturday with a commitment to meet again in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, May 23. After nearly 10 hours of talks, both sides said the meeting was held in a “positive and constructive” atmosphere. European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton described […]
Egypt Disqualifies 10 Presidential Hopefuls
The Egyptian election commission has barred 10 candidates from running for president, including Omar Suleiman,former spy chief under autocratic President Hosni Mubarak, Muslim Brotherhood candidate Khairat al-Shater, and Salafi politician Hazem Abu Ismail. The head of the Supreme Presidential Election Commission, Farouk Sultan, declined to give details on the reasons for their disqualification, but said […]
North Korea Prepares for Mass Celebrations of Kim Il Sung Anniversary
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Pyongyang’s huge football stadium Saturday in a show of support for North Korea’s ruling dynasty, a day after a failed rocket launch that has opened the Communist nation to worldwide criticism. The audience, including members of North Korea’s 1.2 million strong military, women in colorful gowns and men […]
US Military Staff, Secret Service Accused of Misconduct in Colombia
U.S. officials said about a dozen U.S. Secret Service agents sent to Colombia ahead of President Barack Obama’s visit have been relieved of duty and returned home amid allegations of misconduct that involved prostitution. Also Saturday, the U.S. military announced that five military staff assigned to support the Secret Service in its assignment have been […]
UN Authorizes Observer Mission for Syria
China and Russia joined the rest of the United Nations Security Council Saturday to authorize deployment of an advance team of observers to Syria to monitor a fragile cease-fire between the government and armed opposition forces. In a unanimous vote Saturday, the Security Council approved a resolution that gives the go ahead for a small […]
Summit of the Americas Opens in Colombia
Leaders of the Americas opened a two-day regional summit Saturday in Cartagena, Colombia, with discussions expected to include disagreements over Cuba and the failing war on drug trafficking. More than 30 heads of state and government are taking part in the sixth Summit of the Americas, including U.S. President Barack Obama and host Colombian President […]
International Community Condemns Military Takeover in Guinea-Bissau
The international community has strongly condemned the military takeover of power in the west African nation of Guinea-Bissau two weeks before a presidential runoff election. In Washington Saturday, State Department spokesman Mark Toner issued a statement denouncing “the attempt by certain elements of the military to forcibly size power and undermine the legitimate civilian leadership […]