Yahoo! News: World News

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• U.N. welcomes reported Homs humanitarian deal, U.S. skeptical
• Moscow accuses U.S. of fomenting Ukraine coup; recordings leaked
• U.N. nuclear watchdog expects cooperation at last in Iran inquiry
• Bolivia floods kill 38, more heavy rains forecast
• U.S., European security officials worry about Sochi-related attacks
• Cameron to Scotland: Don't break away and erode UK's global clout
• Man United captain Vidic to leave at end of season
• Hundreds of thousands lose power after U.S. Northeast storm
• Brazilian federation warned by FIFA over lawsuits
• Syrian rebels free hundreds in attack on prison
• A little grudge tops off Ireland-Wales 6N showdown
• Banned carry-on items get through Russian security
• Cameron urges UK to unite to stop Scottish independence
• NZ 473-7 at lunch on day 2, 1st test vs. India
• Scots banking on bad field for good result in 6N
• Virginia's Natural Bridge landmark sold to conservation group
• Top-seeded Fognini reaches quarterfinals in Chile
• Leaked audio reveals embarrassing U.S. exchange on Ukraine, EU
• Irish nanny cites US baby's older fractures
• More workers needed at delayed Curitiba stadium
• Argentine art exhibit celebrates Woody Allen
• Spanish fashion brand DelPozo getting attention
• US bans carry-on liquids on Russia-bound flights
• Obama: Putin's 'shtick' is to look like tough guy
• CDC: Cruise ship bug was newer norovirus strain
• Police find 4 human heads in western Mexico
• U.S., European security officials worry about Sochi-related attacks
• Doctor diagnoses man with help from TV's 'House'
• Dozens of youths treated at N.Ireland rave
• Gasquet bears Mathieu to reach Open Sud quarters
• Senate approves Max Baucus as China ambassador
• Mexican victim's family doesn't blame sea survivor
• US sees Russian hand in envoy's bugged call
• UN tells Syria to hurry on chem. weapons disposal

U.N. welcomes reported Homs humanitarian deal, U.S. skeptical Posted: 06 Feb 2014 03:41 PM PST By Erika Solomon and Michelle Nichols BEIRUT/UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations on Thursday welcomed reports that an agreement had been reached to allow the evacuation of civilians from the besieged Syrian city of Homs as well as the delivery of aid, while Washington voiced skepticism about the government's intentions. The United Nations made clear that it was not a party to the deal and while it was ready to send in aid, it did not yet have the go-ahead from the government and opposition sides in Syria's war to move on the reported agreement. "The United Nations and humanitarian partners had pre-positioned food, medical and other basic supplies on the outskirts of Homs ready for immediate delivery as soon as the green light was given by the parties for safe passage," U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement. Syria earlier said it reached a deal to allow "innocent" civilians to leave the rebel-held old city of Homs, potentially the first positive result after last week's deadlocked peace talks in Switzerland.

Moscow accuses U.S. of fomenting Ukraine coup; recordings leaked Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:26 PM PST By Alastair Macdonald KIEV (Reuters) - An east-west struggle over Ukraine turned nastier as Moscow accused the United States of fomenting a coup and Washington pointed a finger at Russia for leaking a recording of U.S. diplomats discussing how to shape a new government in Kiev. As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepared to open the Winter Olympics at Sochi, the first Games in Russia since the Soviet Union hosted the 1980 summer edition, the showdown over Ukraine produced chilly Cold War rhetoric, with a Kremlin aide warning Moscow might act to block U.S. "interference" in Kiev.

U.N. nuclear watchdog expects cooperation at last in Iran inquiry Posted: 06 Feb 2014 06:34 AM PST By Fredrik Dahl VIENNA (Reuters) - The U.N. nuclear watchdog hopes to persuade Iran in talks on Saturday to finally start addressing long-held suspicions it has worked on designing an atomic bomb, a test of whether ties really are thawing under the Islamic state's new president. The International Atomic Energy Agency has made it clear it now wants Iran to end what the West sees as years of stonewalling the IAEA's investigation into alleged nuclear bomb research by the country, which denies any such activity. Diplomats are cautiously optimistic that the team of senior IAEA inspectors will return from the meeting in Tehran - which may run into Sunday - able to show at least some progress in gaining Iran's cooperation with the investigation.

Bolivia floods kill 38, more heavy rains forecast Posted: 06 Feb 2014 10:04 AM PST Torrential rain and floods in Bolivia have killed 38 people and left many homeless, said the government on Thursday, as forecasters predicted more heavy rainfall with the north of the Andean country again likely to be the worst affected. The Ministry of Defense said it had flown in food aid and the army was evacuating families from the worst affected regions, such as the Amazonian and cattle-rearing department of Beni, northeast of the capital La Paz. Around 100,000 head of cattle are threatened and some 6,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed, around 0.2 percent of Bolivia's total, the government said.

U.S., European security officials worry about Sochi-related attacks Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:00 PM PST By Mark Hosenball WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Intelligence agencies believe attacks by militants during the Sochi Winter Olympics are highly likely, but will probably be aimed at "softer" targets elsewhere in Russia, such as public transportation or other civilian venues, U.S. and European officials said. Several U.S. and European security officials said that last-minute intelligence reports about possible Olympics-related attacks have continued to flow into Western agencies and that U.S. and European agencies take them very seriously. "I'm more concerned now than a week ago," one U.S. official said on Thursday.

Cameron to Scotland: Don't break away and erode UK's global clout Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:18 PM PST By Andrew Osborn LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister David Cameron will make an emotional appeal on Friday for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom, warning Scots a vote for independence would undermine Britain's image and standing in the world. Speaking in London, Cameron, an Englishman whose Conservative party has only one of 59 UK-wide seats in Scotland, will make one of his most passionate defenses yet of the UK, which comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. "We would be deeply diminished without Scotland," Cameron will say, according to a note released by his office.

Man United captain Vidic to leave at end of season Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:44 PM PST Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic will leave the club after eight years at the end of the season.

Hundreds of thousands lose power after U.S. Northeast storm Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:43 PM PST Utility crews worked on Thursday to restore power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in the U.S. Northeast after a snow and ice storm slammed the region, but flights began returning to normal after thousands of delays or cancellations. Pennsylvania was the hardest hit. At one point, 849,000 customers were without power, according to the state's Emergency Management Agency. "The storm that we had yesterday is pretty much done for Pennsylvania," said Craig Evanego, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in State College, Pennsylvania.

Brazilian federation warned by FIFA over lawsuits Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:40 PM PST SAO PAULO (AP) — The Brazilian football federation says it has been warned by FIFA over the series of lawsuits filed in civil courts against a ruling of the sports tribunal which changed the relegation spots in the Brazilian league last year.

Syrian rebels free hundreds in attack on prison Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:38 PM PST BEIRUT (AP) — A suicide bomber blew himself up at the gates of a Syrian prison Thursday and rebels stormed in behind him, freeing hundreds of inmates as part of an offensive aimed at capturing key government symbols around the northern city of Aleppo, activists said.

A little grudge tops off Ireland-Wales 6N showdown Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:34 PM PST DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland and Wales have much in common.

Banned carry-on items get through Russian security Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:33 PM PST SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Despite a temporary Russian ban on liquids in carry-on luggage, some air travelers heading to the Sochi Olympics through Moscow brought toothpaste and other toiletries past security checkpoints without any problems.

Cameron urges UK to unite to stop Scottish independence Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:33 PM PST British Prime Minister David Cameron will urge people in all parts of the United Kingdom on Friday to try to persuade Scots to vote 'no' in their referendum on independence. With just seven months to go until the September 18 vote, Cameron will reach out to people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which he said would be "deeply diminished without Scotland". A recent ICM opinion poll showed support for independence is growing, with 37 percent now in favour -- up five points since September -- against 44 percent against. Cameron will use a major speech at the Olympic Park in London, where the 2012 Games were held, to highlight how much the UK benefits from operating as "Team GB".

NZ 473-7 at lunch on day 2, 1st test vs. India Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:32 PM PST AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Brendon McCullum posted his second test double-century, leading New Zealand to 473-7 at lunch Friday on the second day of the first test against India.

Scots banking on bad field for good result in 6N Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:30 PM PST EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — Bad weather would be good news for Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Virginia's Natural Bridge landmark sold to conservation group Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:30 PM PST By Gary Robertson RICHMOND, Virginia (Reuters) - Virginia's Natural Bridge, a soaring landmark bearing George Washington's initials and once owned by Thomas Jefferson, has been sold to a conservation group, a real estate firm said on Thursday. One of the oldest U.S. tourist attractions, the 215-foot-high (65.5-meter-high) limestone feature in western Virginia was purchased by the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund, which said it would eventually turn it over to the state park system.

Top-seeded Fognini reaches quarterfinals in Chile Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:27 PM PST VINA DEL MAR, Chile (AP) — Top-seeded Fabio Fognini of Italy defeated Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia 6-4, 7-6 (0) on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Royal Guard Open.

Leaked audio reveals embarrassing U.S. exchange on Ukraine, EU Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:21 PM PST By Doina Chiacu and Arshad Mohammed WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A conversation between a State Department official and the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine that was posted on YouTube revealed an embarrassing exchange on U.S. strategy for a political transition in that country, including a crude American swipe at the European Union. The leaked conversation appeared certain to embarrass the United States and seemed designed to bolster charges - from Russia, among others - that the Ukrainian opposition is being manipulated by Washington, which President Barack Obama's administration strenuously disputes.

Irish nanny cites US baby's older fractures Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:13 PM PST WOBURN, Massachusetts (AP) — Lawyers for an Irish nanny accused of killing a Massachusetts baby said Thursday that medical experts hired by prosecutors have concluded the child suffered bone fractures weeks before her death when she was not in the nanny's care.

More workers needed at delayed Curitiba stadium Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:09 PM PST SAO PAULO (AP) — World Cup organizers want to increase the number of workers at the delayed stadium in Curitiba which is at risk of being dropped.

Argentine art exhibit celebrates Woody Allen Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:07 PM PST BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — While filmmaker Woody Allen deals with a scandal in New York, fans are celebrating him in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Spanish fashion brand DelPozo getting attention Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:01 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — Luxury fashion can sometimes look like a fast-food business, Josep Font says, with items that are mass-produced and mediocre quality despite high prices.

US bans carry-on liquids on Russia-bound flights Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:00 PM PST US authorities on Thursday announced a temporary ban preventing travelers from bringing any liquids, gels or aerosols aboard Russia-bound flights amid a security threat to the Winter Games. The US Transportation Security Administration directive came a day after Washington warned American and foreign airlines that extremists may target them by placing explosives in toothpaste or cosmetic tubes in an attempt to disrupt the Olympics, set to start Friday in Sochi. President Barack Obama, meanwhile, said Russia had an "enormous stake" in thwarting terrorism at the Games, adding that Washington was doing everything it could to help keep athletes safe. Top US diplomat John Kerry said that "if an American wants to go, including my daughter, I'd say go," though he urged travelers to be vigilant and attentive.

Obama: Putin's 'shtick' is to look like tough guy Posted: 06 Feb 2014 04:00 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's "shtick" is to look like the tough guy in Russia.

CDC: Cruise ship bug was newer norovirus strain Posted: 06 Feb 2014 03:50 PM PST ATLANTA (AP) — A new strain of stomach bug was the virus responsible for almost 700 recent illnesses on a Caribbean cruise ship.

Police find 4 human heads in western Mexico Posted: 06 Feb 2014 03:48 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican authorities say four human heads have been found in a town in Michoacan, a western state where rural vigilantes sprang up a year ago to try to drive out a cult-like drug cartel.

U.S., European security officials worry about Sochi-related attacks Posted: 06 Feb 2014 03:39 PM PST By Mark Hosenball WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Intelligence agencies believe attacks by militants during the Sochi Winter Olympics are highly likely, but will probably be aimed at "softer" targets elsewhere in Russia, such as public transportation or other civilian venues, U.S. and European officials said. Several U.S. and European security officials said that last-minute intelligence reports about possible Olympics-related attacks have continued to flow into Western agencies and that U.S. and European agencies take them very seriously. "I'm more concerned now than a week ago," one U.S. official said on Thursday.

Doctor diagnoses man with help from TV's 'House' Posted: 06 Feb 2014 03:34 PM PST LONDON (AP) — If you're unlucky enough to be stricken with a rare medical condition, you'd better hope your doctor watches the right television show.

Dozens of youths treated at N.Ireland rave Posted: 06 Feb 2014 03:27 PM PST The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service on Thursday declared a major incident after 60 youths required treatment for the suspected effects of drugs and alcohol at a concert in Belfast. An ambulance worker said two of the patients were found unconscious and five required hospital treatment after becoming ill at the performance by Dutch dance artist DJ Hardwell in the city's Odyssey Arena. He told Sky News that many of youths were showing general signs of feeling unwell and were vomiting frequently. A spokesman for the Odyssey Arena, Adrian Doyle, said: "A number of patrons arriving to attend a concert by Dutch DJ act Hardwell have required medical attention, having already been intoxicated on their arrival at the complex.

Gasquet bears Mathieu to reach Open Sud quarters Posted: 06 Feb 2014 03:25 PM PST MONTPELLIER, France (AP) — Top-seeded Richard Gasquet of France easily advanced to the Open Sud de France quarterfinals after beating countryman Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-1, 6-3 on Thursday.

Senate approves Max Baucus as China ambassador Posted: 06 Feb 2014 03:16 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate easily confirmed longtime Sen. Max Baucus on Thursday to become ambassador to China, handing the job to a lawmaker well-versed in U.S. trade policy but with little expertise about military and other issues that have raised tensions with Beijing.

Mexican victim's family doesn't blame sea survivor Posted: 06 Feb 2014 03:15 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — Members of the family of Mexican fisherman Ezequiel Cordoba, who died during a 13-month sea odyssey, said Thursday they don't blame the survivor who turned up in the Marshall Islands.

US sees Russian hand in envoy's bugged call Posted: 06 Feb 2014 03:15 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Two senior American diplomats, thinking their conversation about the Ukraine was secure and private, were caught disparaging the European Union in a phone call that was apparently bugged, and U.S. officials say they strongly suspect Russia of leaking the conversation.

UN tells Syria to hurry on chem. weapons disposal Posted: 06 Feb 2014 03:11 PM PST UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council called on Syria Thursday to speed up the removal of its most harmful chemical weapons agents from the country, expressing "growing concern" at several missed deadlines.

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