Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says the lack of a statement from a meeting of the Middle East Quartet of peace mediators is a bad sign because it reflects divisions in how to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hosted Monday’s “Quartet” meeting in Washington with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Russian Foreign […]
Abbas: Lack of Quartet Statement a Bad Sign for Peace Prospects
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 1:25 pm (UTC-5)
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Iran, Turkey Discuss Increasing Trade Possibilities
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 12:05 pm (UTC-5)
Turkish and Iranian officials have met for a third day in Tehran to strengthen economic links. The talks come amid concerns from the Obama administration that Iran could try to exploit trade ties with Turkey to avoid international sanctions. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned after he met with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu this week […]
Iran, UN Watchdog Appear Deadlocked on Nuclear Dispute
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 10:45 am (UTC-5)
Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency appear to remain deadlocked in a dispute over the Iranian nuclear program following talks between Iran’s foreign minister and the agency’s chief in Vienna. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi described Tuesday’s meeting with IAEA chief Yukio Amano as “very positive” and said both sides agreed to have […]
Lebanon Tribunal Wants Victim Participation in Hariri Case
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 10:35 am (UTC-5)
A U.N.-backed special tribunal has offered victims of the 2005 attack that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri a chance to participate in the trial and help in seeking compensation. The tribunal issued a statement Tuesday that says people who suffered “physical, mental or material harm” from the attack can apply to take part […]
Egypt’s Military Warns Cairo Protesters Against Further Disruptions
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 9:55 am (UTC-5)
Egypt’s military rulers say they will “confront” any actions that “harm public interests” as anti-government protesters occupy central Cairo’s Tahrir Square for a fifth day. In a statement Tuesday, the military council called for “all necessary measures” to prevent further disruptions after demonstrators in recent days blocked an entrance to a government building and staged […]
Syria Lashes Out at US Following Clinton Comments
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 9:45 am (UTC-5)
Syria has sharply criticized U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, after she said President Bashar al-Assad had “lost legitimacy.” The state-run SANA news agency said Tuesday the government “vehemently denounces” Clinton’s remarks. The news agency quotes an official who calls her comments “further evidence” of “blatant U.S. interference” in Syria’s internal affairs. On Monday, Clinton […]
Iran Ready For Closer IAEA Relationship
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 7:40 am (UTC-5)
Iran’s foreign minister says his country is ready to work more closely with the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, but only if it drops its investigation into allegations Iran has developed a nuclear weapons program. Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said Tuesday both Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency should sit together and develop a new […]
Syria: Clinton Says Assad Has ‘Lost Legitmacy’
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 6:20 am (UTC-5)
The United States says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has “lost legitimacy,” while France has renewed its call for the United Nations Security Council to take action in the on-going crisis. In Washington’s strongest condemnation of Mr. Assad since his security forces launched a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in March, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton […]
Iraq Signs $12 Billion Gas Deal
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 5:50 am (UTC-5)
Iraq has signed a $12 billion deal with Royal Dutch Shell and Mitsubishi to capture and use natural gas currently being flared from oil fields in the country’s south. The 25-year deal signed Tuesday must still be approved by the Iraqi cabinet, and would create a joint venture called Basra Gas Company. Iraq will hold […]
US Backs Russian Mediation in Libya
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 4:55 am (UTC-5)
The United States says it is prepared to support Russia’s mediation efforts in Libya, as France signals its frustration with the lack of progress in reaching a political solution to the crisis. U.S. President Barack Obama thanked Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for his country’s negotiation efforts in Libya, and said the United States supports talks […]
