Yahoo! News: World News

U.S. accuses Russia after Putin warning on gas supplies to Europe
Special Report: Flaws found in Thailand's human-trafficking crackdown
U.S. says 'gaps narrowing' in talks between Israelis and Palestinians
U.S. warns Russia over any oil-for-goods deal with Iran
U.N. Security Council OKs peacekeepers for Central African Republic
Libya's coastguard detains more than 400 immigrants en route to Europe
Top Asian News at 12:00 a.m. GMT
U.N. renews call for human rights monitoring in Western Sahara
Lorde surprised with Billboard nominations
Magnitude 6.4 quake strikes near Managua in Nicaragua -USGS
Family on US kingpin list for money laundering
Earthquake shakes Nicaraguan capital: Reuters witness
US city turns up heat on Sriracha maker
Another possible signal heard in Flight 370 search
US warns Russia of tougher sanctions over Ukraine
Haas grabs Masters lead with 68, Scott 1 shot back
Woman in shoe stabbing case describes killing
Video shows suicide bomber who killed 16 in Egypt
Hilton Worldwide to build hotel in Haiti
Haas grabs Masters lead with 68, Scott in the mix
Valencia fights back from 3-0 down to win 5-3
Deadly bat disease found in Wisconsin, Michigan: wildlife officials
Brazil president to Blatter: Country will be ready
Studies: Lab-grown nostrils, vaginas working well
Peru arrests 28 in group tied to Shining Path
Report: Syria rebel infighting kills 51 fighters
Israel sanctions Palestinians in new blow to peace talks
Colombia's Santos would think twice about killing FARC leader
Peru arrests 28 linked to Shining Path on drugs, terror charges
Argentina hit by nationwide strike over inflation
U.N. warns Burundi leaders against stoking political violence
UN accepts Palestinian treaty applications
US: Sinaloa cartel member cooperating with US
Explosive found near popular Puerto Rico island
Mobile company in Haiti brings back ex-CEO

U.S. accuses Russia after Putin warning on gas supplies to Europe

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 01:49 PM PDT

By Alexei Anishchuk and Bill Trott MOSCOW/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin warned on Thursday that Russian gas supplies to Europe could be disrupted if Moscow cuts the flow to Ukraine over unpaid bills, drawing a U.S. accusation that it is using energy "as a tool of coercion". In a letter to the leaders of 18 European countries, Putin made clear that his patience would run out over Kiev's $2.2 billion gas debt to Russia unless a solution could be brokered urgently. Russia has nearly doubled the gas price it charges Ukraine, whose economy is in crisis, since pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovich was overthrown two months ago. Russia then annexed the Ukrainian region of Crimea, provoking the biggest confrontation with the West since the Cold War.

Special Report: Flaws found in Thailand's human-trafficking crackdown

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:02 PM PDT

By Andrew R.C. Marshall and Amy Sawitta Lefevre SATUN, Thailand (Reuters) - After a two-hour trek through swamp and jungle, Police Major General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot halts in a trash-strewn clearing near Thailand's remote border with Malaysia. Just weeks before, says Thatchai, hundreds of Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar were held captive here by one of the shadowy gangs who have turned southern Thailand into a human-trafficking superhighway. With Thatchai's help, Thailand is scrambling to show it is combating the problem. It aims to avoid a downgrade in an influential U.S. State Department annual report that ranks countries on their anti-trafficking efforts.

U.S. says 'gaps narrowing' in talks between Israelis and Palestinians

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 12:37 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The State Department said on Thursday that progress was being made in U.S.-mediated negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians meant to keep peace talks going, but denied reports from the region that there had been an agreement. "Our negotiating team and both parties remain in intensive negotiation. They had another meeting today. The gaps are narrowing but any speculations about an agreement are premature at this time," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told a regular briefing. ...

U.S. warns Russia over any oil-for-goods deal with Iran

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 02:21 PM PDT

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew told his Russian counterpart on Thursday that any oil-for-goods deal Moscow might strike with Iran could run afoul of U.S. sanctions. "Secretary Lew reiterated our serious concerns regarding reports of a possible deal between Russia and Iran involving oil-for-goods," a Treasury representative said in a statement after Lew met with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. Lew also told Siluanov a deal would run counter to an agreement between Iran and six world powers, including the United States and Russia, in which Tehran promised to curb its nuclear program in return for a modest easing in Western sanctions. The sanctions were imposed to choke off Iran's oil revenues.

U.N. Security Council OKs peacekeepers for Central African Republic

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 01:50 PM PDT

By Michelle Nichols and Crispin Dembassa-Kette UNITED NATIONS/BANGUI (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council on Thursday authorized the creation of a nearly 12,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping force in the Central African Republic in a bid to end violence between Christians and Muslims that has threatened to spiral into genocide. At least 13 people were killed when Christian militia forces, known as the 'anti-balaka,' attacked a town held by Muslim Seleka rebels in a rural area of Central African Republic this week, residents said on Thursday. The 15-member Security Council authorized a U.N. force, to be known as MINUSCA, of up to 10,000 troops, 1,800 police and 20 corrections officers. It also authorizes French troops in the landlocked former French colony to support U.N. peacekeepers.

Libya's coastguard detains more than 400 immigrants en route to Europe

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:58 PM PDT

By Feras Bosalum and Julia Payne TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Libya's coastguard has detained more than 400 immigrants, mostly from the Horn of Africa, in its waters in the past two days as they tried to illegally cross to Europe in small boats, Libyan officials said on Thursday. The coastguard picked up five boatloads of people. Warning shots were fired at several vessels, and 78 people were rescued from a sinking ship, said navy spokesman Qassem Ayoub. Some are held at a Tripoli police station and are being examined by a United Nations medical team, said the deputy commander of naval operations, Mohammed al Baty.

Top Asian News at 12:00 a.m. GMT

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 05:02 PM PDT

PERTH, Australia (AP) — An air and sea hunt for the missing Malaysian jet resumed Friday in the same swath of the southern Indian Ocean where an underwater sensor made the fifth detection of a signal in recent days, raising hopes that searchers are closing in on what could be a flight recorder. An Australian air force P-3 Orion, which has been dropping sonar buoys into the water near where four sounds were heard earlier,s picked up a "possible signal" on Thursday that may be from a man-made source, said Angus Houston, who is coordinating the search for Flight 370 off Australia's west coast.

U.N. renews call for human rights monitoring in Western Sahara

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:59 PM PDT

By Louis Charbonneau VIENNA (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday renewed his appeals for sustained human rights monitoring in the disputed territory of northern Africa's Western Sahara and warned against unfair exploitation of the region's natural resources. The comments were included in Ban's latest report on Western Sahara to the 15-nation U.N. Security Council, an advance copy of which was obtained by Reuters. Morocco took control of most of the territory in 1975 when colonial power Spain withdrew, prompting a guerrilla war for independence that lasted until 1991 when the United Nations brokered a cease-fire and sent in a peacekeeping mission known as MINURSO. Ban said he welcomed Morocco's willingness to allow special investigators from the U.N. Human Rights Council to visit the territory and the Polisario Front independence movement's willingness to work with United Nations rights bodies.

Lorde surprised with Billboard nominations

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:49 PM PDT

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Pop singer Lorde says she's surprised to hear she is one of the most nominated artists for next month's Billboard Music Awards.

Magnitude 6.4 quake strikes near Managua in Nicaragua -USGS

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:47 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.4 struck near the Nicaraguan capital, Managua, on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It said the quake, very shallow at a depth of 6.2 miles and therefore more powerful, struck at 2327 GMT north of Managua, 14 miles northeast of the town of Nagarote. A magnitude 6.4 quake is capable of causing severe damage. The quake was initially reported as having a 6.2 magnitude. (Reporting by Sandra Maler; Editing by Peter Cooney)

Family on US kingpin list for money laundering

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:45 PM PDT

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The U.S. Treasury Department says it is imposing sanctions on five members of a Mexican family for allegedly laundering money for fugitive drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero and another Sinaloa drug cartel leader.

Earthquake shakes Nicaraguan capital: Reuters witness

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:39 PM PDT

MANAGUA (Reuters) - An earthquake shook the Nicaraguan capital of Managua on Thursday, a Reuters witness said, knocking out telephone lines and power in some areas, but there were no further details on any impact. (Reporting by Ivan Castro)

US city turns up heat on Sriracha maker

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:39 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A small Southern California town has turned up the heat on the makers of the wildly popular Sriracha hot sauce, telling them that if they can't keep their bottling plant from smelling up the neighborhood, the city will.

Another possible signal heard in Flight 370 search

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:38 PM PDT

US warns Russia of tougher sanctions over Ukraine

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:36 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew told his Russian counterpart on Thursday that Russia could face tougher economic sanctions because of its actions in Ukraine.

Haas grabs Masters lead with 68, Scott 1 shot back

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:33 PM PDT

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Bill Haas shot a 4-under 68 to lead the Masters on Thursday, the first time he's headed a major at the end of a round.

Woman in shoe stabbing case describes killing

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:23 PM PDT

HOUSTON (AP) — A woman convicted of fatally stabbing her boyfriend with a stiletto heel told jurors Thursday that she killed him to save her own life during a brutal fight in which she was chased down, knocked into a wall and thrown over a couch.

Video shows suicide bomber who killed 16 in Egypt

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:15 PM PDT

CAIRO (AP) — An al-Qaida inspired group in Egypt posted a video online Thursday showing a suicide bomber attacking a security headquarters in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, an assault that killed 16 people in December.

Hilton Worldwide to build hotel in Haiti

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:11 PM PDT

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Hilton Worldwide says it will build a new hotel in Haiti.

Haas grabs Masters lead with 68, Scott in the mix

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:09 PM PDT

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — With dad in his ear, Bill Haas turned in the best round of his Masters career Thursday.

Valencia fights back from 3-0 down to win 5-3

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:56 PM PDT

Valencia fought back from a three-goal first-leg deficit Thursday to beat Basel 5-0 and qualify for the Europa League semifinal, while competition favorite Juventus advanced after a tense 2-1 win at home to Lyon.

Deadly bat disease found in Wisconsin, Michigan: wildlife officials

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:40 PM PDT

By Brendan O'Brien (Reuters) - Bats in Wisconsin and Michigan have been infected with a disease that has killed millions of the mosquito-eating mammals elsewhere in the U.S. and could have a detrimental impact on farming and forestry, wildlife officials said on Thursday. White-nose syndrome appeared in five small brown bats collected in February and March in northern Michigan during routine surveillance, the state's Department of Natural Resources said in a statement. "Even though we've known this disease was coming, it is a disappointing day," said Dan O'Brien, a department wildlife veterinarian. Two bats in Wisconsin tested positive for the fungal disease after they were collected in a mine during winter surveillance in Grant County, near the Illinois border, where the disease was confirmed in 2012.

Brazil president to Blatter: Country will be ready

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:37 PM PDT

SAO PAULO (AP) — FIFA President Sepp Blatter says he has been "reassured" by Brazil's president that the country will be ready to host the World Cup.

Studies: Lab-grown nostrils, vaginas working well

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:35 PM PDT

LONDON (AP) — Two new studies describe the latest achievements in growing body parts in a lab and transplanting them into people, this time with nostrils and vaginas.

Peru arrests 28 in group tied to Shining Path

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:31 PM PDT

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Peruvian police have arrested 28 leaders of the political wing of the Shining Path rebel movement, including the lawyer of its imprisoned leader and a cousin of President Ollanta Humala, the government announced Thursday.

Report: Syria rebel infighting kills 51 fighters

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:30 PM PDT

BEIRUT (AP) — Fierce infighting between rival Islamic rebel groups in eastern Syria killed more than 50 fighters Thursday, an opposition group said, while government shelling left at least four teenagers dead in a town in the country's west.

Israel sanctions Palestinians in new blow to peace talks

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:30 PM PDT

Israeli and Palestinian officials held fresh US-mediated talks Thursday, but the crisis-hit peace process was dealt a new blow as Israel unveiled sanctions against the Palestinians. Israel, which collects about 80 million euros ($111 million) in taxes on behalf of the Palestinian Authority -- two-thirds of its revenues -- has decided to freeze the transfer of that money, an official told AFP. Israel was also suspending its participation with the Palestinians in developing a gas field off the Gaza Strip and putting a cap on Palestinian deposits in its banks, the Israeli official said, asking not to be named. Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat lashed out at the move, calling it an act of "Israeli hijacking and the theft of the Palestinian people's money".

Colombia's Santos would think twice about killing FARC leader

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:29 PM PDT

Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos said he knows "more or less" where the Marxist FARC's leader is hiding but would think twice about attacking at this stage of peace talks with the rebel group, a change in tone from an earlier goal of capturing or killing him. Santos, who is seeking reelection in May, said he has taken the "difficult" decision to kill leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia before, but would consider the progress being made in peace negotiations before killing Rodrigo Londono. "I'm not going to say I would take the decision or not take it, but I think that at this stage of the process I'd think twice." Londono, known by his war alias as Timochenko, is the chief of the FARC's seven-member secretariat. Santos' stance against Londono appears to have softened 16 months into ongoing peace talks in Havana.

Peru arrests 28 linked to Shining Path on drugs, terror charges

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:24 PM PDT

Peru arrested 28 people linked to the political wing of the largely defunct Shining Path insurgency on suspicions they are involved in drug trafficking and terrorism, the interior minister said on Thursday. The operation marks the first big bust of members of Movadef, a group that calls for the release of Shining Path militants and others jailed during Peru's bloody internal conflict in the 1980s and 90s. The government believes Movadef is a front group seeking to legitimize and revive the Maoist-inspired Shining Path, whose bid to topple the Peruvian state claimed an estimated 69,000 lives. Interior Minister Walter Alban said the sweep on Wednesday night was the result of a two-year investigation involving phone taps and undercover agents that established a link between Movadef and guerrillas in the coca-producing Huallaga Valley.

Argentina hit by nationwide strike over inflation

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:24 PM PDT

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A nationwide strike paralyzed Argentina's economy on Thursday, shutting down air, train and bus traffic, closing businesses and ports and emptying classrooms. The strike also stopped all non-emergency hospital attention, left garbage in emptied streets and complicated many other aspects of life in the South American nation.

U.N. warns Burundi leaders against stoking political violence

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:15 PM PDT

By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations warned on Thursday that Burundi leaders who have manipulated young people to stoke violence could face international prosecution if human rights abuses are committed. Planned constitutional amendments that could allow President Pierre Nkurunziza a third term and change power-sharing arrangements have stirred the worst political crisis in the east African country since a 12-year civil war ended in 2005. "In light of Burundi's past, we trust that the government of Burundi will thoroughly and promptly address the ongoing political violence and restrictions to human rights," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's. "Political violence has the potential to spark fear in the population and trigger large-scale violence," he said.

UN accepts Palestinian treaty applications

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:08 PM PDT

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has verified that the Palestinian applications to join 13 international conventions were "in due and proper form" and has accepted them.

US: Sinaloa cartel member cooperating with US

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 03:08 PM PDT

CHICAGO (AP) — A high-ranking member of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel and son of one of the drug ring's leaders pleaded guilty to drug trafficking a year ago and has been cooperating with authorities, federal prosecutors in Chicago announced Thursday.