The International Atomic Energy Agency says it is now unlikely to send a delegation to North Korea, after Pyongyang stated it is no longer bound by an agreement with the United States not to test missiles and nuclear devices. Spokeswoman Gill Tudor made the announcement late Tuesday, ending hopes for the visit for which IAEA […]
Nuclear Authority Says Visit to North Korea Now ‘Unlikely’
Rights Group Says Guinea-Bissau Restricting Media, Protesters
An international human rights group says Guinea-Bissau’s military junta is increasingly restricting media and protesters in an attempt to “stifle mounting criticism” within the country and abroad. Amnesty International Guinea-Bissau expert Marise Castro told VOA that demonstrations have been repressed and soldiers seeking politicians have beaten and threatened their families and associates. “Since the coup, […]
Al-Qaida Claims Kidnapping of Saudi Diplomat in Yemen, Makes Demands
Saudi Arabia says al-Qaida has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of a Saudi diplomat in Yemen last month and threatened to kill the man unless the kingdom releases detained militants. Saudi officials said Tuesday the terrorist network’s regional affiliate, al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, claimed the kidnapping in a phone call to the Saudi Embassy […]
Al-Qaida Claims Kidnapping of Saudi Diplomat in Yemen, Makes Demands
Saudi Arabia says al-Qaida has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of a Saudi diplomat in Yemen last month and threatened to kill the man unless the kingdom releases detained militants. Saudi officials said Tuesday the terrorist network’s regional affiliate, al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, claimed the kidnapping in a phone call to the Saudi Embassy […]
Guinea-Bissau Junta Seeks New “Constitutional Arrangements”
Guinea-Bissau’s military junta says it wants to work out a new “constitutional arrangement” for the country, defying international demands for the current constitution to be restored. A spokesman for the junta, Lieutenant Colonel Dahba Na Walma spoke by phone to VOA on Tuesday. He said junta leaders are in consultation with opposition parties, trying to […]
US Senators Frustrated With North Korea
U.S. senators have expressed alarm, displeasure and frustration with North Korea’s insistence on launching a missile last week. VOA spoke with several of them on Capitol Hill Tuesday. Republican Senator and former presidential candidate John McCain said North Korea’s actions are part of an ongoing cycle of aggression and negotiation. He called on China — […]
Nuclear Authority Says Visit to North Korea Now ‘Unlikely’
The International Atomic Energy Agency says it is now unlikely that it will send a delegation to North Korea, after Pyongyang stated it is no longer bound by an agreement with the United States not to test missiles and nuclear devices. Spokeswoman Gill Tudor made the announcement late Tuesday, ending hopes for the visit for […]
Egypt Confirms Disqualification of 2 Islamists, Ex-Spy Chief From Vote
Egypt’s electoral commission has confirmed the disqualification of 10 candidates from next month’s presidential election, including two prominent Islamists and the former spy chief of ousted president Hosni Mubarak. The three leading Egyptian presidential contenders had filed appeals after the commission disqualified them from the race on Saturday. The electoral panel rejected those appeals on […]
Britain Resumes Efforts to Deport Radical Cleric
British authorities have re-arrested a radical Islamist cleric, accused of ties to late al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, in a fresh attempt to deport him to Jordan after more a than decade-long legal battle. Jordanian preacher Abu Qatada was detained Tuesday by U.K. Border Agency officers. He was denied bail while awaiting the latest extradition […]
Senator Says Guilty Conduct in Secret Service Scandal Should Be Punished
The chairman of the Senate’s Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee says any Secret Service member or military staff found guilty of misconduct involving prostitutes in Colombia should be “punished severely.” Senator Joe Lieberman told reporters Tuesday that “compromising positions off-duty” can “create a risk to national security.” He said he would be willing to […]