A new round of suspected NATO airstrikes shook the Libyan capital and its suburbs early Friday, a day after allied and Arab nations pledged more than $1.1 billion to help Libya’s opposition council and civilians affected by the country’s conflict. The 22-member Libya Contact Group announced the series of financial measures Thursday as they met […]
Russian Spacecraft Docks at ISS
Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft with an international crew on board has arrived at the International Space Station. The Russian mission control said the spacecraft docked early Friday Moscow time. The spacecraft carrying American Mike Fossum, Russian Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa of Japan had lifted off Wednesday from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan. The three […]
Obama Urges Gabon’s President to Root Out Corruption
U.S. President Barack Obama has urged Gabon’s President Ali Ben Bongo to root out corruption and protect human rights in the West African country. Mr. Obama met with Mr. Bongo at the White House Thursday, despite questions about alleged corruption in Mr. Bongo’s family and government. The White House said Mr. Obama welcomed reforms that […]
US Delegation Meets with Contractor Jailed in Cuba
A U.S. delegation has visited an American contractor jailed in Cuba for crimes against the communist state. Political strategist Donna Brazile said Thursday the delegation spoke with Alan Gross for about two hours and found him “in good spirits.” Brazile said Gross, who is serving a 15-year sentence, “is not bitter” but eager to return […]
Family of Deceased Cuban Hunger Striker Emigrates to US
Relatives of a jailed Cuban dissident who died during a hunger strike have emigrated to the United States. Orlando Zapata Tamayo’s mother arrived in Miami on Thursday along with a dozen other family members. She was carrying the ashes of her son. Cuban authorities earlier this week had exhumed and cremated Zapata’s remains at his […]
British Lawmaker Arrested for Suspected Sexual Assault
A British lawmaker from Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative party has been arrested in London on suspicion of sexual assault involving a 29-year-old woman. News reports say Andrew Bridgen, a lawmaker who holds the North West Leicestershire seat, was taken into custody in relation to the alleged assault early Thursday. Police did not confirm the […]
Syrians Continue Fleeing to Turkey, Fearing Crackdown
Hundreds more Syrians have crossed the border into Turkey, fleeing an anticipated government assault on the northern town of Jisr al-Shughour as Syrian forces and tanks massed outside the city. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Thursday more than 2,500 civilians have entered his country since the unrest in neighboring Syria began in March. The […]
Mexico’s Carstens Takes IMF Bid to India
Mexican Central Bank Governor Agustin Carstens is due in India Friday to press his case to become the next head of the International Monetary Fund. Carstens is expected to hold series of meetings in New Delhi similar to his rival, France’s Christine Lagarde. She met Tuesday with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister […]
US Man Arrested For Allegedly Aiding Somali Militants
The U.S. Justice Department says another man has been charged in the state of Minnesota with providing assistance to Somalia’s al-Shabab militants. Ahmed Mahamud was arrested Thursday in Ohio and is expected to be sent to Minnesota to face the indictment. Prosecutors allege Mahamud conspired to provide both money and fighters for the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, […]
Gates Tells NATO Allies Not to Rush Out of Afghanistan
Outgoing U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has urged NATO allies not to rush out of Afghanistan as the United States prepares to begin its own withdrawal next month. Gates, who is retiring on June 30, attended his final meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels Thursday. He said substantial military progress is being made on […]