UK to open inquiry into Berezovsky death

UK to open inquiry into Berezovsky death


UK to open inquiry into Berezovsky death

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 10:27 PM PDT

Police find no sign of struggle and report the death of exiled Russian tycoon on Saturday was "consistent with hanging".

Korean border open despite NKorean hotline cut

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 09:49 PM PDT

A South Korean K1 army tank fires live rounds during an exercise at Seungjin Fire Training Field in mountainous Pocheon, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Wednesday, March 27, 2013. North Korea said Wednesday that it had cut off a key military hotline with South Korea that allows cross border travel to a jointly run industrial complex in the North, a move that ratchets up already high tension and possibly jeopardizes the last major symbol of inter-Korean cooperation.(AP Photo/Yonhap, Lim Byung-shick) KOREA OUTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A day after shutting down a key military hotline, Pyongyang instead used indirect communications with Seoul to allow South Koreans to cross the heavily armed border and work at a factory complex that is the last major symbol of inter-Korean cooperation.


VIDEO: US justices debate anti-gay law

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 07:31 PM PDT

A US law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman only has been sharply criticised by a number of Supreme Court justices at a landmark hearing.

Yes, Health Care is a Right -- An Individual Right

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 09:01 PM PDT

Many moons ago, I served a term as chairman of the Conservative Party of the Yale Political Union, a parliamentary debating society. On March 26, the Union invited me back to keynote a debate on the topic, "Resolved, That Health Care is a Right." What follows is an edited excerpt of my remarks, in which I argue that health care is indeed a right—but not in the way that most progressives think.

Are You a Leader or Just Bossy?

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 09:00 PM PDT

The word "boss" conjures up an idea that with this title, every manager can now magically get employees to do whatever they need. The simple image is that when they tell someone to do something, they immediately go do it. This may work in the movies, but unfortunately in a small business, this is far from the truth. Employees these days are far too independent and a company's workforce is typically too geographically dispersed for this to be effective.

China Worries Arise in Sprint Deal

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 10:13 PM PDT

The U.S. is seeking oversight of equipment purchases as a condition for approving Softbank's $20 billion acquisition of Sprint Nextel, a move that appears to be aimed at keeping out Chinese suppliers like Huawei.

Effort to Form Italian Coalition Falters

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 09:22 PM PDT

Democratic Party leader Bersani's attempts to form a governing alliance stumbled, prompting him to say "only an insane person would have the itch to govern Italy right now."

Afghan Force Falls on Hard Times

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 06:10 PM PDT

When villagers rose up against Taliban rule in Afghanistan's Andar district last year, U.S. military commanders billed the surprise rebellion as a potential game-changer. As the spring fighting season begins, it is increasingly clear the uprising didn't live up to those hopes.

Obama to Visit Mexico

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:22 PM PDT

President Barack Obama will visit Mexico in May for a meeting with his counterpart, President Enrique Peña Nieto, that is expected to take up trade, economic growth and immigration.

Cricketer Jesse Ryder in Critical Condition

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 09:11 PM PDT

New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder is in a critical condition after suffering severe head injuries in a late-night assault outside a bar.

Gas-Field Quakes Make Dutch Houses Shiver

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 09:37 PM PDT

The Netherlands isn't known as an earthquake zone, but thousands of Dutch residents have filed property-damage claims against the country's largest natural-gas producer after government studies linked a string of tremors in the Groningen region to natural-gas production.

Spain Says Budget Deficit Is Wider Than Reported

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:13 PM PDT

Spain said on Wednesday that its 2012 budget deficit was wider than it reported a month ago, again raising questions about the reliability of its government budget data.

In Israel, Sounds of Spring Include Thwack of Paddleballs

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:13 PM PDT

A hard-hitting version of the popular beach game has been kicking up controversy.

North Korea to cut all channels with South

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:14 PM PDT

South Korean soldiers from an armored unit participate in a field firing in PocheonSEOUL (Reuters) - Reclusive North Korea is to cut the last channel of communications with the South because war could break out at "any moment", it said on Wednesday, days of after warning the United States and South Korea of nuclear attack. The move is the latest in a series of bellicose threats from North Korea in response to new U.N. sanctions imposed after its third nuclear test in February and to "hostile" military drills under way joining the United States and South Korea. The North has already stopped responding to calls on the hotline to the U.S. ...


Thailand and Muslim rebels begin peace talks

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 09:56 PM PDT

Five people are reported killed as Thai government begins talks with separatists in neighbouring Malaysia.

North Korea to cut all channels with South

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:14 PM PDT

SEOUL (Reuters) - Reclusive North Korea is to cut the last channel of communications with the South because war could break out at "any moment", it said on Wednesday, days of after warning the United States and South Korea of nuclear attack.

Nations close to deal on U.N. arms trade treaty: envoys

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 07:39 PM PDT

Paramilitary soldiers hold guns with water bottles hanging from their ends during aiming training in ZhengzhouBy Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - United Nations members on Wednesday were close to a deal on the first international treaty to regulate the $70 billion global conventional arms trade, though delegates and rights groups said India, Iran or others could still block agreement. Arms control campaigners and human rights groups say one person dies every minute worldwide as a result of armed violence and a treaty is needed to halt the uncontrolled flow of arms and ammunition they say fuels wars, atrocities and rights abuses. ...


Nations close to deal on U.N. arms trade treaty: envoys

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 07:39 PM PDT

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - United Nations members on Wednesday were close to a deal on the first international treaty to regulate the $70 billion global conventional arms trade, though delegates and rights groups said India, Iran or others could still block agreement.

Derek Jeter Flees New York, Tax Savings Soon To Follow

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:02 PM PDT

During Derek Jeter's historic 16-year run as shortstop for the New York Yankees, he's bagged five world championships, 13 All-Star appearances, 3000 hits, and more would-be starlets and hopeful models than can be counted. But believe it or not, captaining the hallowed team in pinstripes isn't without its downsides: for example, New York's oppressive maximum individual tax rate of nearly nine percent.

VIDEO: Cyprus banks prepare to reopen

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 07:25 PM PDT

Banks in Cyprus are to reopen amid tight security on Thursday, 10 days after they closed to prevent a bank run as a controversial bailout was negotiated.

Photos of the Day: March 27

Photos of the Day: March 27


Photos of the Day: March 27

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 01:23 PM PDT

In today's pictures, a boy celebrates Holi in India, Edith Windsor challenges the Defense of Marriage Act at the U.S. Supreme Court, sand dunes form in the Netherlands, and more.

VIDEO: Suu Kyi attends Burma army parade

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 01:04 PM PDT

Burma has marked its Armed Forces Day with a military parade, with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in attendance for the first time

Hollande's popularity at new low as he grapples with French economy: poll

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:35 PM PDT

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande's popularity rating has fallen to its lowest level since he came to power, a poll found on Wednesday, a day before he is due to address the nation to ask for patience as he attempts to revive the economy.

Channeling Mrs. Thatcher in Tokyo, Seoul

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:36 PM PDT

Margaret Thatcher's ideas are enjoying a renaissance in Asia, where the new leaders of Japan and South Korea embrace the Cold War-era British leader as a role model.

Greenland to Charge Exploitation Royalties

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 11:14 AM PDT

The first woman to be elected prime minister of Greenland plans to demand royalties from companies as they set up exploitation activities in the resource-rich nation.

Small States Stress Distance from Cyprus

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:36 AM PDT

Luxembourg and Malta moved to defend their economic models after Cyprus's bailout turned the spotlight on other small euro-zone countries with large financial sectors.

Rio 2016 stadium escapes demolition

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:38 PM PDT

The Joao Havelange stadium, which was due to host the Rio 2016 Olympics, will not be demolished, despite structural problems that led to its closure.

MoD names Afghan death soldier

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 01:01 PM PDT

A British soldier from 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment who died in Afghanistan on Tuesday is named as L/Cpl Jamie Webb.

Bomb explodes near Acropolis in Athens

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:31 PM PDT

So far no reports of injuries as police evacuate area located in the centre of Greek capital.

Aide to Kubrick on ‘Shining’ Scoffs at ‘Room 237’ Theories

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:52 PM PDT

Stanley Kubrick's longtime assistant, Leon Vitali, says various theories about hidden meanings in "The Shining," proposed in the documentary "Room 237," are just "balderdash."

Czech court throws out treason charges against ex-president Klaus

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 11:58 AM PDT

PRAGUE (Reuters) - A Czech court threw out treason charges against former President Vaclav Klaus on Wednesday, clearing the euroskeptic politician of accusations that marred his final days in office and underlined the deep divisions he left in society.

Rolling Stones to play Glastonbury

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:34 PM PDT

The Rolling Stones are named as one of the three headline acts for Glastonbury Festival 2013.

War crimes court convicts Bosnian Serbs

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 11:58 AM PDT

Two former Bosnian Serb officials sentenced to 22 years in jail for their role during Balkan country's 1992-95 war.

Hunger strike intensifies at Guantanamo

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:46 PM PDT

Red Cross to inspect US detention facility, where more than 30 detainees have refused food for last several weeks.

Documents Released in 2011 Tucson Shooting Case

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 11:09 AM PDT

A release of records sheds light on the behavior of the gunman, Jared L. Loughner, who killed 6 people and wounded 13 others, including former Representative Gabrielle Giffords.

Video: Meet 'the Seinfeld of Saudi Arabia'

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 11:29 AM PDT

If you picture Saudi Arabia as a place of austerity and humorlessness, of severe religious practices and medieval gender roles, then, well, there's some truth to that perception, but it's definitely not the whole truth. There are Saudi feminists, Saudi atheists and there's even a hip young Saudi comedian and social commentator.

Read full article >>

Nigeria hopes for railways’ resurrection

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 10:32 AM PDT

KANO, Nigeria — Standing on the train platform in Lagos with a tiny pink ticket in her hand, Cyrina Kazeem, a 63-year-old grandmother, felt like a wide-eyed child again. More than 50 years ago, before Nigeria's railway network had fallen into disrepair, her father treated her to a train journey every Christmas.

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Ferry passengers face disruption

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 09:35 AM PDT

Cross-Channel ferry passengers face major travel disruption over Easter due to a strike by French port control officers.

Ministers warned of possible 10% cut

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 11:53 AM PDT

The Treasury writes to government departments, warning most ministers that they will have to cut up to 10% of their budgets for the year 2015/16.

More States Look to Get in the Sports Betting Game

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 08:26 AM PDT

More than $200 million will be wagered on the N.C.A.A. men's college basketball tournament in Nevada sports books, which is double the amount bet on the Super Bowl.

N. Korea cuts military hotline with South

N. Korea cuts military hotline with South


N. Korea cuts military hotline with South

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:56 AM PDT

North Korea said Wednesday it was cutting a military hotline with South Korea, meaning all direct inter-government and military contact has been suspended after it previously cut a Red Cross link.

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Kedah MB waiting for signal from PAS HQ to dissolve state assembly

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:55 AM PDT

Kedah PAS will wait for the signal from party headquarters on the date of dissolution of the state assemby, said Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak.

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Food apps to download before traveling

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:54 AM PDT

From apps that will help travelers find the nearest bar, microbrewery or coffee joint to a guide to chef-recommended restaurants, Travel + Leisure has curated a list of the top food-related apps for the globetrotting gourmand.

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Tablets fueling surge in smart devices: study

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:53 AM PDT

Tablet computers fueled growth in 2012 in the market for "smart connected devices," which crossed the threshold of one billion units for the first time, a study showed Tuesday.

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Samsung Galaxy SIV Mini appears online

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:51 AM PDT

The first pictures of the Samsung Galaxy SIV Mini have leaked online, along with a list of specifications and features.

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ESSCOM promotes socio-economic growth in Sabah east coast

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:27 AM PDT

The formation of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) serves as a double-edged sword.

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Prince Harry to keep his clothes on: US governor

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:41 AM PDT

When Prince Harry visits the United States this May he'll have to keep his clothes on -- at least while he's in New Jersey, the state's governor said.

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Pope a really thoughtful guy: Argentine merchant

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:41 AM PDT

Pope Francis, who's earning a reputation as a pretty regular guy as far as pontiffs go, had the courtesy to phone his newspaper vendor back home in Argentina and cancel his subscription.

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Make it a competition of political views

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:29 AM PDT

If he is a candidate, shouldn't he express his views on public policy to show that in addition to criticising, he also possesses enough ability to lead the country, instead of just shouting the same sensational slogans without showing any insightful political views?

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Sex videos feigned: Saifuddin

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:23 AM PDT

PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said political rivals had made use of feigned sex videos to discredit PKR leaders as the general election approaches.

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N. Korea sets top leadership meet as border nerves fray

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:20 AM PDT

North Korea Wednesday announced plans for a top leadership meeting and launched a tirade against South Korea's new president, as heightened military alert levels frayed nerves on the tense border.

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Analysis - Man with key to Italy crisis has only weeks left in job

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:07 AM PDT

ROME (Reuters) - The chaos and uncertainty following Italy's parliamentary election last month is compounded by the imminent retirement of the one man who has any chance of solving the crisis, President Giorgio Napolitano.


Egyptian president sees elections in October - MENA

Posted: 27 Mar 2013 12:04 AM PDT

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt may hold parliamentary elections in October, state news agency MENA quoted President Mohamed Mursi as saying on Wednesday, dragging out the country's turbulent political transition for at least six months.


Petraeus apologises for affair, moves to mend image

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 11:32 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Former CIA Director David Petraeus apologised on Tuesday for the extramarital affair that forced his November resignation and acknowledged the toll it took on his family, career and reputation.


VIDEO: Fears of violence at Dhaka strike

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 11:59 PM PDT

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has declared a two-day country-wide general strike in protest at the continued detention of its leaders and activists.

Suu Kyi makes symbolic debut at Myanmar army parade

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 11:32 PM PDT

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday made a symbol-laden appearance at an annual military parade for the first time, underscoring the country's startling transformation.

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Waiting for good news

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 11:09 PM PDT

After so many gifts have been given away over the past four years, could Najib take the step to recognise the UEC? If he is still unable to give a satisfactory answer, no matter what factors are behind it, including resistance within the party, it can affect the efforts to fight for Chinese votes.

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VIDEO: Snow misery spreads across Europe

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 11:18 PM PDT

Unseasonably cold weather and freak blizzards are continuing to cause chaos across many parts of Europe.

VIDEO: Hollande battles for French support

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 11:33 PM PDT

French President Francois Hollande has been touring the country, trying to reassure the public that he can manage the ailing economy.

VIDEO: Knox to fight 'wrongful' allegations

Posted: 26 Mar 2013 11:15 PM PDT

US student Amanda Knox has said she will fight to clear her name after an Italian court overturned her acquittal for killing Briton Meredith Kercher.