Global News

Leftist Costa Rica Outsider Leads Election, Run-Off Expected

A left-leaning former diplomat edged ahead in Costa Rica's presidential election on Sunday, riding a wave of disgust at government corruption to get within reach of wresting power from the centrist government in an April run-off. Luis Guillermo Solis, an...

Gunshots, Explosions Rock Thai Protest On Eve Of Polls

Dozens of gunshots and at least two explosions raised tension amid anti-government protests in Thailand's capital on Saturday, a day ahead of a general election seen as incapable of restoring stability in the deeply polarised country. Six people were wounded...

Syria Talks End First Round, Government Not Committed To Return

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A contentious week-long first round of Syrian peace talks ended on Friday with no progress towards ending the civil war and the government delegation unable to say whether it will return for the next round in 10 days. Darkening the...

Indonesia Volcano Kills At Least 11, Fears Over More Eruptions

Indonesia's Mount Sinabung volcano erupted and killed at least 11 people on the western island of Sumatra on Saturday, the first time it is known to have claimed any lives, a senior government official said. The volcano has becoming increasingly...

Ukraine President Signs Amnesty But Anger Remains, Currency Slumps

Ukraine's embattled President Viktor Yanukovich on Friday signed into law an amnesty for demonstrators detained during mass unrest and repealed anti-protest legislation, in a fresh bid to take the heat out of the political crisis. But the move by Yanukovich,...

Egyptian PM Says Reshuffle To Include Sisi’s Defense Minister: Report

Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi has said a cabinet reshuffle will include the defence ministry, an Egyptian newspaper said on Saturday, in the clearest sign yet that Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi plans to stand for president. Army chief Sisi, now...

U.S. Cancels Funds For Afghan Opinion Polls Ahead Of Election

The United States has canceled funding for opinion polls in the run-up to Afghanistan's presidential election after an initial poll in December triggered accusations of U.S. attempts to manipulate the outcome, officials said. A spokesman for the U.S.-funded group Democracy...

Exclusive: Bloomberg Tapped To Be U.N. Cities, Climate Change Envoy: Sources

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been tapped to be U.N. special envoy for cities and climate change, sources familiar with the situation said on Thursday. Barring any last minute changes, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon - who is...

Thai Protesters Make Up For Lack Of Bangkok Pre-Election Buzz

Thailand goes to the polls on Sunday, but the usual pre-election buzz, banners and loud-hailers on the backs of trucks are noticeable by their absence in the capital, Bangkok. Anti-government protesters have blocked major intersections and flyovers for weeks, setting...

Thailand To Deploy 10,000 Police In Capital To Secure Voting

Thailand's government will deploy 10,000 police in the capital for Sunday's election, which protesters have promised to disrupt as part of their drawn-out attempt to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The government decided on Tuesday to press ahead with the...