Russia has praised Sunday’s parliamentary elections in Belarus as being free and fair, despite strong Western criticism of the polls. In a statement Tuesday, Russia’s foreign ministry said Moscow is convinced that Belarusians were able to make “a conscious choice” for their candidates. It said Western criticism of the elections was politically motivated. On Monday, […]
Russia Says Belarus Elections ‘Free and Fair’
Obama Calls for End to Extremism, Slams Syria and Iran
U.S. President Barack Obama called on world leaders to “speak out forcefully against violence and extremism,” saying the world can only make progress by pursuing tolerance and freedom. Mr. Obama spoke Tuesday to the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly getting a smattering of polite applause. He told delegates “it is time to […]
Romney, Obama Focus on Foreign Policy
Republican presidential challenger Mitt Romney has laid out some of his foreign policy goals Tuesday in a speech to global leaders meeting in New York. Mr. Romney said he plans to initiate what he called “Prosperity Pacts” with developing nations. Under the plan, the U.S. government and private sector would identify barriers to investment and […]
Satellite Images Show Scope of Syrian Military Moves
Satellite images released Tuesday show the scope of Syrian military activity in neighborhoods of the besieged Syrian commercial center, Aleppo. A major U.S. science association says an analysis of high-resolution images of Aleppo reveals that heavily armored vehicles were deployed in civilian neighborhoods during last month’s fighting. Battles between Syrian government forces and rebels continue […]
Obama to Warn Iran at UN
U.S. President Barack Obama is set to tell Iran the United States “will do what we must” to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Mr. Obama is set to address the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday. In excerpts of his speech released by the White House, the president tells Iran there is “still time and […]
UN to Consider Mali Request for International Force
The United Nations is expected to consider Mali’s request for an international force this week, as the country seeks to recapture the north from Islamist militants. The U.N. may take up the matter as early as Wednesday during a high-level meeting in New York on the security situation in Africa’s Sahel region. Speaking on the […]
Rights Group: Mali Islamists Using Child Soldiers
A human rights group says Islamist militants who control northern Mali are using hundreds of child soldiers, some as young as 11. Human Rights Watch says the children are being used — in violation of international law — both for military purposes and to enforce the militants’ harsh version of Sharia, or Islamic law. It […]
Tibetan Exiles Meet in India to Discuss Immolations
Tibetan exiles from around the world are gathering in northern India for talks on ways to respond to a wave of self-immolation protests in Tibetan areas of China as well as garner support for their cause. Around 400 delegates are meeting in the northern Indian town of Dharamsala Tuesday for the Special General Meeting of […]
Foreign Policy Emerges in US Presidential Contest
U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney will deliver foreign policy speeches at two major international forums in New York City Tuesday. Mr. Obama will discuss the recent violence in the Middle East and the Iranian nuclear standoff in an address to the United Nations General Assembly. He will later address government and […]
Tibetan Exiles Gather in Northern India for Meeting
Tibetan exiles from around the world are gathering in northern India for talks on ways to stem a wave of self-immolation protests as well as garner support for their cause. Around 400 delegates are meeting in the northern Indian town of Dharamsala Tuesday for the Special General Meeting of Tibetans. The four-day gathering began with […]