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 Seeks Deeper Partnership with Americas
Posted April 14th, 2012 at 10:20 pm (UTC-5)
Leave a comment
US Military Staff, Secret Service Accused of Misconduct in Colombia
Posted April 14th, 2012 at 7:35 pm (UTC-5)
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 […]
UN Sending Truce Observers to Syria
Posted April 14th, 2012 at 12:05 pm (UTC-5)
The U.N. Security Council has voted to send an advance team of observers to Syria where reports of violence have climbed in spite of a shaky cease-fire between government and opposition forces. In a unanimous vote on Saturday, the Security Council authorized the deployment an advance team of up to 30 unarmed military observers. The […]
‘Constructive’ Beginning for Iran Nuclear Talks
Posted April 14th, 2012 at 8:45 am (UTC-5)
A spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton says a first round of talks between Iran and six world powers on Tehran’s controversial nuclear program was “constructive,” laying the groundwork for future talks. Michael Mann said Saturday that world powers believed Iran was serious about engaging in substantive talks after the two sides wrapped […]
World Reacts to Failed North Korea Rocket Launch
Posted April 13th, 2012 at 2:20 pm (UTC-5)
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and many other international leaders have condemned North Korea’s launch of a long-range missile, even though the test was a failure. The rocket fell into the sea about one minute after liftoff. North Korea’s official news agency acknowledged the missile broke apart, preventing its cargo – described as a weather satellite […]
Soldiers Launch Coup Attempt in Guinea-Bissau
Posted April 13th, 2012 at 11:20 am (UTC-5)
Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau have launched a coup attempt, taking over roads, TV and radio stations, and government offices in the country’s capital. The unrest began late Thursday, the night before campaigning was due to begin for a presidential run-off election. Soldiers attacked the homes of interim President Raimundo Pereira and former Prime Minister Carlos Gomes […]
Efforts Underway to Secure Fraying Syrian Cease-Fire
Posted April 13th, 2012 at 7:05 am (UTC-5)
There are signs the United Nations-brokered cease-fire in Syria is starting to fray, even as efforts are underway to make sure it holds. Two activist groups and Turkish villagers reported clashes between Syrian troops and rebel forces near the Turkish border Friday. Some of the fighting was reportedly heavy. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human […]
Mali Swears in Interim President
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 8:00 pm (UTC-5)
Mali has sworn in an interim president tasked with organizing new elections and fighting Tuareg rebels and Islamist militants. After his swearing in Thursday in the capital, Bamako, President Dioncounda Traore warned the rebels and al-Qaida-linked group Ansar Dine to retreat or face war. The former parliament speaker added, “We prefer peace, but if war […]
North Korea Launches Rocket Over Pacific
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 7:20 pm (UTC-5)
News reports say North Korea launched a three-stage rocket into space early Friday, in defiance of United Nations resolutions, and despite warnings from the United States and other nations of repercussions. Pyongyang says the rocket is placing a satellite in orbit. But Washington and its Asia allies South Korea and Japan suspect it is merely […]
Pakistan Approves New Guidelines for Ties with US, NATO
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 6:30 pm (UTC-5)
Pakistan’s parliament on Thursday unanimously approved a list of conditions that the United States must meet, if relations are to be restored and NATO supply routes to Afghanistan reopened. The revised terms of engagement between Pakistan, and the United States and NATO call for an end to U.S. drone strikes on Pakistani territory and an […]
