2014年12月14日星期日

Yahoo! News: World News

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Yahoo! News: World News


Abe's coalition secures big Japan election win with record low turnout

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 08:59 AM PST

Japan's Prime Minister Abe claps during an election night event at the LDP headquarters in TokyoBy Linda Sieg and Kiyoshi Takenaka TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's coalition cruised to a big election win on Sunday, ensuring he will stick to reflationary economic policies and a muscular security stance, but record low turnout pointed to broad dissatisfaction with his performance. NHK public TV said Abe's Liberal Democratic Party and junior partner the Komeito party were assured more than the 317 seats in the 475-member lower house required to maintain a two-thirds "super-majority" that smoothes parliamentary business. ...


Hostages held in Sydney cafe, Islamic flag seen in window: local TV

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:42 PM PST

By Matt Siegel SYDNEY (Reuters) - Hostages were being held inside a central Sydney cafe where a black flag with white Arabic writing could be seen in the window, local television showed on Monday, raising fears of an attack linked to Islamic militants. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he was convening a meeting of the cabinet's national security committee for a briefing on what he called a hostage situation in Australia's commercial capital. ...

Syrian army recaptures territory north of Aleppo in fierce fighting

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 11:28 AM PST

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syria's army seized an area north of Aleppo on Sunday and killed insurgents as fierce battles raged over the strategic territory, a group monitoring the war and state media reported. Syria's second city is at the heart of clashes between pro-government forces and a range of insurgents, including al Qaeda's Syria wing, Islamist brigades and Western-backed rebels. The United Nations Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura is seeking a local ceasefire in Aleppo to allow badly-needed humanitarian assistance into the divided northern city. ...

Washington undecided on U.N. resolution for Palestinian state

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:34 PM PST

U.S. Secretary of State Kerry talks before meeting Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov at Villa Taverna in RomeBy Jeffrey Heller and Lesley Wroughton JERUSALEM/ROME (Reuters) - Israel said it hoped the United States would veto any moves at the United Nations to set a time frame for its withdrawal from territory Palestinians seek for a state, but a senior U.S. official said it was too early to say. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Rome on Monday to discuss various proposals for a Palestinian state that are circulating at the United Nations. ...


Turkish police raid media close to cleric rival Gulen, detain 24

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 11:10 AM PST

Zaman editor-in-chief Dumanli talks at his office as he is surrounded by his colleagues and plainclothes police officers at the headquarters of Zaman daily newspaper in IstanbulBy Daren Butler and Humeyra Pamuk ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish police raided media outlets close to a U.S.-based Muslim cleric on Sunday and detained 24 people including top executives and ex-police chiefs in operations against what President Tayyip Erdogan calls a terrorist network conspiring to topple him. The raids on Zaman daily and Samanyolu television marked an escalation of Erdogan's battle with ex-ally Fetullah Gulen, with whom he has been in open conflict since a graft investigation targeting Erdogan's inner circle emerged a year ago. ...


Paris, Berlin urge Poroshenko to press ahead with reforms

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 01:44 PM PST

File photo of Ukraine's President Poroshenko speaking at the IISS-Asia Fullerton Lecture at a hotel in SingaporeBERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande urged Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko on Sunday to press ahead with reforms to facilitate an economic recovery and access to foreign aid. Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement the two leaders encouraged Poroshenko in a telephone call "to get the planned sweeping reforms under way." "Only that way can the economy recover and the necessary international financial help be advanced," he said. ...


In-form United 'forcing luck', says van Gaal

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:57 PM PST

Manchester United's Robin van Persie (2-L) celebrates scoring their third goal with Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney (R) during the English Premier League football match against Liverpool at Old Trafford on December 14, 2014Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal felt that his side's 3-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool proved that his methods are beginning to take effect at Old Trafford.


Airlines, regulator say Sydney Airport operating normally

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:56 PM PST

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Airlines said on Monday that flights are landing and taking off normally at Sydney Airport, but a diversion is in place around the city's central business district after reports that a gunman had taken hostages in a cafe in the center of the city. The government-owned regulator, Airservices Australia, confirmed normal operations at both the domestic and international airports south of the city. (Reporting By Jane Wardell; Editing by Paul Tait)

Hostages held inside Sydney cafe, Islamic flag held up

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:53 PM PST

Hostages were being held inside a cafe in central Sydney Monday with an Islamic flag displayed against a window, according to witnesses and reports, while police said they were also responding to an "incident" at the nearby Opera House. Martin Place in the central business district was shut down as scores of armed police surrounded the Lindt chocolate cafe, with TV pictures showing a flag -- black with white Arabic writing -- held to a window by terrified customers. "We raced to the window and saw the shocking and chilling sight of people putting their hands up against the panes of glass at the cafe," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Australia has been on high alert after the government raised concerns that citizens who have fought alongside jihadists in Iraq and Syria could return home radicalised and capable of carrying out attacks.


Major police operation unfolding in Sydney

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:49 PM PST

SYDNEY (AP) — A major police operation was underway in downtown Sydney on Monday, where several people inside a chocolate shop and cafe could be seen through the windows with their hands held in the air.

Bank of Japan business survey sees torpid outlook

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:48 PM PST

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese businesses are cautious over prospects for a recovery, according to a quarterly central bank survey released Monday that showed a mixed outlook for the world's third-largest economy.

Over one in four voters want EU exit: poll

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:47 PM PST

Prime Minister David Cameron, seen here in Rocester on November 28, 2014, has vowed to renegotiate Britain's membership of the EULondon (AFP) - Over four in ten voters want Britain to leave the European Union, a survey showed on Monday.


UKIP candidate quits over comments

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:41 PM PST

County councillor Kerry Smith, tipped as a rising star in UKIP, stepped down after the Mail published a recorded conversation in which Smith referred to gay party members as "poofters"London (AFP) - A UK Independence Party candidate for a key seat was forced to resign on Sunday over offensive comments.


Steven Smith to become Australia's 45th test captain

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:37 PM PST

SYDNEY (AP) — Steven Smith will become Australia's 45th test captain and its third youngest when he steps in for the injured Michael Clarke against India in the second cricket test at Brisbane starting Wednesday.

Top Asian News at 12:30 a.m. GMT

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:32 PM PST

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's ruling coalition won a resounding victory in lower house elections Sunday, firming up Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's hold on power as he prepares to push forward on several politically difficult fronts. The conservative Liberal Democratic Party, which has ruled for most of the post-World War II era, locked up a solid majority, and appeared headed to winning at least two-thirds of the House of Representatives together with its coalition partner, the Buddhist-backed Komei party.

Sydney Opera House evacuated after suspicious package found: media

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:25 PM PST

Representatives from South Pacific nations pose during an official launch of their campaign against the coal industry in front of the Sydney Opera HouseSYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's world-famous Sydney Opera House was evacuated after a suspicious package was found, television channels reported on Monday, soon after gunmen were reported holding hostages in the center of the city. A police operation was already underway in the central business district of Sydney after hostages were being held inside a cafe, where a black flag with white Arabic text could be seen in the window. A spokeswoman for New South Wales police could not immediately confirm the reports. An Opera House spokeswoman did not answer calls. ...


Australian police arrest one on terrorism financing charges

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:01 PM PST

By Matt Siegel SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian police arrested a Sydney man on Monday as part of operations to disrupt the flow of money and fighters to conflict zones such as those in Iraq and Syria, where dozens of Australians are said to have joined Islamist militant groups. The arrest of the 25-year-old man was part of investigations into the planning of an attack on Australian soil and the facilitation of travel of Australian citizens to Syria to engage in armed combat", the Australian Federal Police said in a statement. ...

Denmark claims North Pole via Greenland ridge link

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:55 PM PST

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Scientific data shows Greenland's continental shelf is connected to a ridge beneath the Arctic Ocean, giving Danes a claim to the North Pole and any potential energy resources beneath it, Denmark's foreign minister said.

Hostages held in Sydney cafe, Islamic flag seen in window: local TV

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:54 PM PST

Police Hostage Situation Developing In SydneySYDNEY (Reuters) - Hostages were being held inside a central Sydney cafe where a black flag with white Arabic writing could be seen in the window, local television showed on Monday, raising fears of an attack linked to Islamic militants. Australia, which is backing the United States and its escalating action against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, is on high alert for attacks by radicalized Muslims or by home-grown fighters returning from fighting in the Middle East. ...


Marta scores hat trick in Brazil's 3-2 win over US

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:47 PM PST

Brazil's Marta Vieira, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring against the United States during a match of the International Women's Football Tournament at the National Stadium in Brasilia, Brazil, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Five-time world player of the year Marta scored three goals to lead Brazil to a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the U.S. women's soccer team in the International Tournament of Brasilia on Sunday.


Cubans on homemade boat win refuge from rough seas in Cayman Islands

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:37 PM PST

Cuban rafters sit together on the beach after landing on the Cayman Islands, in George TownBy Peter Polack GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (Reuters) - A group of 26 Cubans on a homemade wooden boat were granted temporary refuge in the Cayman Islands when bad weather interrupted their quest to seek exile in the United States. The four women and 22 men, almost all from the coastal town of Santa Cruz Del Sur in the southeastern province of Camaguey, were four days into their journey when they took shelter from high seas on Wednesday. In a break from normal rules, Cayman authorities said they can remain until the weather improves. ...


Nicaragua rescue crews find capsized boat

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:18 PM PST

Rescued diver Gerardo Zamora, right, is held by family member as he's taken to a hospital in the back of a truck after being rescued from a shipwreck in Puerto Cabezas, also known as Bilwi, in Nicaragua, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014. Nicaraguan authorities are searching for 18 fishermen still missing since their ship with 50 people aboard capsized in the Caribbean four days ago. Their lobster boat was on a 15-day trip when it was hit by the wave on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)PUERTO CABEZAS, Nicaragua (AP) — Rescue crews in Nicaragua have found a fishing boat that capsized in the Caribbean last week with 50 people aboard and are searching for 18 crew members who remain missing, authorities said Sunday.


Guingamp hands PSG 1st French league loss

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:14 PM PST

Monaco's players celebrate after Monaco's midfielder Bernardo Silva, center face, scored against Marseille, during the League One soccer match between Monaco and Marseille, at Louis II stadium in Monaco, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)PARIS (AP) — Jeremy Pied headed home the winner and goalkeeper Jonas Lossl denied Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a decisive save in the closing stages as defending champion Paris Saint-Germain slumped to its first defeat in the French league with a 1-0 loss at Guingamp on Sunday.


Man United beats rival Liverpool, PSG loses

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:05 PM PST

Manchester United's Robin van Persie, lower centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday Dec. 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Jon Super)PARIS (AP) — Manchester United's resurgence continued in the English Premier League as the Red Devils beat archrival Liverpool for a sixth consecutive league win on Sunday, while Juventus has its lead cut to one point in Serie A.


Kerry, Lavrov meet as tensions soar over Ukraine

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:03 PM PST

US Secretary of State John Kerry (L) meets Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at Villa Taverna in Rome on December 14, 2014Top US diplomat John Kerry met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov Sunday, amid anger in Moscow over the prospect of new US sanctions and possible lethal military aid for Ukraine. The meeting in Rome came after US lawmakers passed a bill -- dubbed the Ukraine Freedom Support Act -- calling for additional sanctions against Russia and the delivery of up to $350 million (280 million euros) worth of US military hardware to Kiev. "Undoubtedly, we will not be able to leave this without a response," deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax news agency ahead of the talks. The Senate bill must still be approved by the White House, which has so far been reluctant to provide direct military assistance to Ukraine for fear of being drawn into a proxy war with Russia, which is backing separatist forces in Ukraine.


Palestinians push UN bid as Kerry begins European talks

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:59 PM PST

US Secretary of State John Kerry (C) arrives at Ciampino International Airport, on December 14, 2014, in RomeThe Palestinian leadership on Sunday said it planned to submit a resolution to the UN Security Council setting a two-year deadline for Israel to end its occupation, as US Secretary of State John Kerry launched a flurry of European meetings to revive the stalled peace process. Washington's diplomatic manoeuvring comes amid a European-led drive towards a recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations. In the past, the US has consistently used its power of veto at the UN to block moves it sees as anti-Israel, but US officials said Kerry was now seeking to learn more about the European position. Seizing the momentum, a senior Palestinian official said they would present a draft UN resolution in coming days on ending the Israeli occupation by late 2016.


F1 champion Lewis Hamilton wins BBC award

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:46 PM PST

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Lewis Hamilton has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year after winning his second Formula One title.

Critics, defenders clash over US 'torture report'

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:35 PM PST

The lectern stands empty before a press conference at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, December 11, 2014Defenders and critics locked horns Sunday over last week's release of a US report that aired harrowing new details of America's torture of "war on terror" detainees, and opened fresh political wounds. The US Senate report released Tuesday said the CIA's interrogation of Al-Qaeda suspects, including beatings, rectal rehydration, and sleep deprivation, was far more brutal than acknowledged -- and did not produce useful intelligence. Former US vice president Dick Cheney on Sunday vehemently defended the program, lauding the CIA operatives who ran it as heroes. "I'm perfectly comfortable that they should be praised, they should be decorated," the right-hand man to former president George W. Bush told NBC television's "Meet the Press" program.


Lima hits 2 to give Benfica 2-0 win at Porto

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:34 PM PST

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Lima scored twice to lead Benfica to a 2-0 win at fierce rival Porto on Sunday, the first victory for the Portuguese leaders at the Stadium of the Dragon since the 2005-06 season.

Haiti opposition cautiously welcomes PM's resignation

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:25 PM PST

Protesters calling for the resignation of President Michel Martelly and Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe block a street with burning tires and barricades in the center of Port-au-Prince, on December 13, 2014Port-au-Prince (AFP) - Haiti's emboldened opposition welcomed the resignation Sunday of Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, who faced repeated calls to go over the failure to hold legislative elections in the past three years. The increasingly unpopular Lamothe's resignation had been widely expected after President Michel Martelly said Friday that his cabinet chief was ready to leave "to help find a solution" to the Caribbean country's dragging political impasse. His critics have warned he could send back Haiti to dictatorial rule and also are demanding that he resign. A commission set up by the president has recommended forming a consensus government including opposition members, disbanding Haiti's electoral council and freeing political prisoners.


PAOK beats Kerkyra 2-1 in Greek league

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:25 PM PST

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Ergys Kace blasted a powerful shot from outside the area in the 81st minute to give PAOK a 2-1 victory over visiting Kerkyra in the Greek league Sunday.

Miss South Africa crowned Miss World

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:11 PM PST

Miss South Africa and 2014 Miss World Rolene Strauss reacts after being crowned during the grand final of the Miss World 2014 pageant in London on December 14, 2014Miss South Africa, 22-year-old Rolene Strauss, was crowned Miss World 2014 at the contest's glitzy final in London on Sunday, with an estimated billion viewers watching on television around the globe. Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsar, was judged the runner-up and Miss United States, Elizabeth Safrit, came third in the 64th annual competition, contested by women from 121 countries. Medical student Strauss clasped her hands together in surprise and was crowned by the outgoing Miss World, Megan Young of the Philippines, to huge cheers in the ExCeL exhibition centre. "South Africa this is for you," Strauss said.


At UN climate talks, a crack in rich-poor barrier

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:08 PM PST

Delegados en la conferencia sobre cambio climático de Naciones Unidas en Lima, Perú, el 11 de diciembre de 2014. Los delegados aprobaron un acuerdo el domingo 14 de diciembre tras un estancameinto de las negociaciones cuando los países en desarrollo rechazaron el primer borrador. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)LIMA, Peru (AP) — A last-minute deal that salvaged U.N. climate talks from collapse early Sunday sends a signal the rich-poor divide that long held up progress can be overcome with a year to go before a landmark pact is supposed to be adopted in Paris.


Saudi soldier shot dead in Shiite area

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:06 PM PST

Demonstrators gather in Qatif, in the Shiite-populated east of Saudi Arabia, on July 8, 2012--since 2011, protests and sporadic attacks on security forces have occurred in Shiite areasA Saudi soldier died Sunday in a Shiite area of the Sunni-dominated kingdom's east after a gunman opened fire, official media said. Officers "came under fire from an unknown gunman firing from the farms" near Awamiya killing one soldier, the Saudi Press Agency said. Awamiya, just west of Dammam city on the Gulf coast, has witnessed clashes between security forces and protesters from the minority Shiite community. In February, a firefight in Awamiya left two policemen and two suspects dead.


Villarreal ends Atletico's home unbeaten run

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 01:58 PM PST

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Villarreal ended Atletico Madrid's streak of 27 straight home games without a loss in the Spanish league after striker Luciano Vietto scored late to grab a 1-0 win on Sunday.

Juve's lead over Roma in Serie A cut to 1 point

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 01:46 PM PST

Juventus' Patrice Evra, foreground, celebrates with his teammates Paul Pogba after scoring during a Serie A soccer match between Juventus and Sampdoria at the Juventus stadium, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Massimo Pinca)ROME (AP) — Patrice Evra scored his first goal in Serie A but Juventus was held 1-1 at home by Champions League hopeful Sampdoria on Sunday, and had its lead cut to one point.


S.Sudan's descent into horror as civil war enters 2nd year

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 01:42 PM PST

South Sudanese children from the Dinka ethnic group pose at cattle camp in the town of Yirol, in central South Sudan on February 12, 2014War in South Sudan is worsening with "extreme violence" and growing hunger, rights groups warned Monday, one year on since the start of conflict in which tens of thousands have died. Campaigners say South Sudan is locked into conflict, with the bloodshed that erupted in Juba exactly a year ago having set off a cycle of retaliatory massacres across large swathes of the country. "Twelve months on from the outbreak of this war, it is hard to fathom that worse could be yet to come," South Sudanese peace activist and priest James Ninrew said. Fighting broke out in South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, when President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy Riek Machar of attempting a coup.


Saudi Arabian security man shot dead in Shi'ite area: police

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 01:21 PM PST

RIYADH (Reuters) - An unidentified attacker killed a member of Saudi Arabia's security forces on Sunday, police said in a statement on state media, near a village where unrest among the country's Shi'ite Muslim minority has been focused. The village, Awamiya, has been the focal point of unrest among Saudi Shi'ites since mass protests in early 2011 calling for an end to discrimination against the minority sect and for democratic reforms in the absolute Sunni monarchy. ...

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