Thursday 12 April 2012

World News Briefs -- April 12, 2012



Syria UN-Backed Ceasefire Holding Amid Tensions -- BBC

A ceasefire has come into force in Syria amid doubts expressed by Western countries about the government's willingness to stick to it.

Correspondents say the truce appears to be largely holding, with no reports of casualties or deaths so far.

However there were some reports of shelling and firing in the early hours and troops are still on the streets.

Syria and the armed opposition have said they will abide by the ceasefire, but were ready to respond if attacked.

Neighbouring Turkey said it would be "very happy" if the Annan plan succeeded.

Read more ....


MIDDLE EAST

Syria tense as Annan ceasefire deadline passes - live updates. Opposition: Syria truce deadline passes with no reports of major attacks.

Battle against Qaeda enters fourth day in Yemen, raises death toll to 177. Toll hits 177 in south Yemen battle with Qaeda. US airstrikes take out al Qaeda targets in Yemen.

West to pressure Iran at nuclear talks.

Turkey raids in new crackdown on military. Turkish prosecutors launch new crackdown against military, order arrest of 4 ex-generals.

Bernie Ecclestone: Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead.


ASIA

North Korea rocket set for imminent lift off. North Korea opens 5-day launch window for rocket. North Korea fuels rocket as nation names Kim Jong Un top political official.

Thousands clash with Chinese police in Chongqing district of Wansheng.

Bo Xilai: Neil Heywood 'stashed Bo's financial secrets with British lawyer as insurance policy before death'.

Hamid Karzai considering early Afghan presidential elections in 2013.


AFRICA

Sudan mobilises army over seizure of oilfield by South Sudan. African Union 'deeply alarmed' at growing Sudan and South Sudan unrest.

Robert Mugabe 'fit as a fiddle' as he jets into Zimbabwe after health rumours.

Mali's Dioncounda Traore takes over from junta.

Coptic Christians fight for place in Egypt's political scene.

Algeria's first president Ahmed Ben Bella dies.


EUROPE

Greece to hold snap general election.

Greece proposes immigrant detention centers.

How the extreme right and left will affect France’s Presidential race.

Iran stops oil exports to Germany.

Bad economic news keeps the pressure on Spain and Italy.

Russian state debt lowest among G8 countries – Putin.

IMF warns of Britain's £750bn pensions time bomb.


AMERICAS

Mexico shaken by two earthquakes in 24 hours.

New drug gang wars blow Colombian city's revival apart.

Chavez says 'doing well' after latest cancer treatment. Chavez, battling cancer, fades from world stage.

Canadians favor taxes to fight inequality: poll.

US budget deficit hits a record high for March.

Argentina 'satisfied' by BP's Falklands rejection letter.


TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Guantanamo judge's ruling avoids issue of secret testimony.

New al Qaeda playbook promotes chemical attack.

The brave agent who exposed Hamza only to be betrayed by MI5.


ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Antitrust and Google (commentary).

Apple's Steve Jobs conspired on e-book price-fixing, lawsuits say. How Apple’s Steve Jobs and book publishers cost consumers millions.

Sony sheds 10,000 staff in major reorganisation.

Tributes for Commodore 64 creator Jack Tramiel, who 'could have bought Apple for $100k'.

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