Yahoo! News: World News

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• Syria 'failure' looms, mediator seeks U.S., Russian help
• Italian PM Letta to resign after party withdraws support
• Attack on prison in Yemeni capital kills 11
• Three journalists and a union leader released in Niger
• Cuba hopes EU talks will lead to U.S. gesture: commissioner
• Volcanic eruption in Indonesia closes 3 airports
• France wants faster UN deployment in C.Africa
• Snowstorm brings drudgery and tragedy to US east
• Belgium gives ill children of any age right-to-die
• Brazil protesters march against bus fare hike
• New Zealand 51-4 at lunch on day 1 vs. India
• Italian PM Letta to resign, opening way for Renzi
• Report: US success in immigration court drops
• Mexico City mulls legalizing sale of marijuana
• Students launch fresh protests in Venezuela
• Cologna goes for 2nd gold in Sochi in 15K race
• Canada, Sweden look for strong position in hockey
• White House sees longer wait for Afghan agreement
• China aims for top of podium in women's aerials
• Russia in talks on Syria aid draft, U.N. aid chief urges action
• Bode and Ted top the list of super-combi favorites
• Salvador castaway never wants to see ocean again
• Storms taking toll on families, schools in Northeast
• 1st-time Olympic gold medalist likely
• US rappers Odd Future banned from New Zealand
• IAAF appeals Turkey decision to clear Alptekin
• Institute: More digging at NKorea nuke test site
• England weighing up Januzaj case - Hodgson
• Drug policy must change in U.S., Europe -Uruguay president
• Top Asian News at 11:00 p.m. GMT
• Tora Berger aims for 1st gold in Olympic biathlon
• Quebec opens up untamed Anticosti to oil exploration
• Regulator: Sands hackers didn't steal credit cards
• Latvia's Martins Dukurs man to catch in skeleton

Syria 'failure' looms, mediator seeks U.S., Russian help Posted: 13 Feb 2014 01:06 PM PST By Stephanie Nebehay and Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - Warning that "failure" was staring him in the face, the Syria peace talks mediator said on Thursday that the United States and Russia had promised renewed support to keep their rival Syrian allies talking. U.N. diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi met senior diplomats from Washington and Moscow in Geneva, hoping the co-sponsors of the three-week-old negotiating process could bury their own deep differences over Syria and prevail respectively on the opposition and government to move ahead and compromise. Asked after his two-hour meeting with U.S. Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov whether the whole process had failed, he said: "Failure is always staring at us in the face.

Italian PM Letta to resign after party withdraws support Posted: 13 Feb 2014 11:28 AM PST By James Mackenzie ROME (Reuters) - Italian centre-left leader Matteo Renzi forced party rival Enrico Letta to resign as prime minister on Thursday after criticizing his government's failure to pass major reforms, opening the way for Italy's third administration in a year. Letta's decision to quit came after the Democratic Party (PD), the largest party in the ruling coalition, supported a call by its 39-year-old leader Renzi for a more ambitious government to pull Italy out of its economic slump. "Italy cannot live in a situation of uncertainty and instability. Letta plans to tender his resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano on Friday.

Attack on prison in Yemeni capital kills 11 Posted: 13 Feb 2014 12:46 PM PST By Khaled Abdullah SANAA (Reuters) - Eleven people were killed when attackers mounted a bomb, grenade and gun assault on the main prison in Yemen's capital on Thursday to try to free inmates, security sources and witnesses said. Explosions and gunfire could be heard several kilometers away from the prison in northern Sanaa, which has al Qaeda members among its inmates. "A terrorist group attacked the central prison," an Interior Ministry official said, according to comments published by the state news agency, adding there had been a car bomb followed by a gun attack on the facility. Eleven people were killed, a security source said.

Three journalists and a union leader released in Niger Posted: 13 Feb 2014 02:52 PM PST Authorities in Niger released on Thursday three journalists from a private radio station one day after they were detained with a union leader who criticized President Mahamadou Issfouou on air, the station's director-general told Reuters. Police on Wednesday arrested the Anfani radio station's editor in chief Abdoul-Razak Idrissa, and two journalists, Haoua Maigari and Moussa Hassane as well as union leader Ismael Salifou.

Cuba hopes EU talks will lead to U.S. gesture: commissioner Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:56 PM PST By Daniel Trotta HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba hopes the opening of negotiations on a new political agreement with the European Union could lead to similar talks with the United States, a visiting EU commissioner said Cuba's foreign minister told her on Thursday. EU Education Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said she, too, hoped the launching of an EU-Cuba dialogue would lead to better relations between Cuba and the United States, which severed diplomatic ties with the communist island in 1961 and imposed an economic embargo a year later.

Volcanic eruption in Indonesia closes 3 airports Posted: 13 Feb 2014 05:03 PM PST SURABAYA, Indonesia (AP) — Volcanic ash from a major eruption in Indonesia closed three international airports on Friday and darkened skies across a large swath of the country's most densely populated island.

France wants faster UN deployment in C.Africa Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:39 PM PST French President Francois Hollande Thursday called on the United Nations to fast-track the deployment of peacekeepers in the Central African Republic to help quell a bloody sectarian conflict. In a telephone call to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Hollande said UN troops were needed to help restore peace and prop up the administration of new interim president Catherine Samba Panza. "The UN Security Council set a clear mandate (for peacekeepers) which must be quickly and firmly implemented. It's a question mainly of speeding up the preparation for a peacekeeping operation, in close partnership with the African Union," said a statement from the French presidency.

Snowstorm brings drudgery and tragedy to US east Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:37 PM PST A deadly winter storm swept the eastern United States on Thursday spelling drudgery for millions and tragedy for a few, including an expectant mother killed by a snowplow. US media counted at least 11 dead as a result of the storm, which dropped a thick blanket of snow over eastern cities overnight and shut down federal government operations in Washington. One of the casualties was a 36-year-old pregnant woman, struck and killed by a snowplow in a New York parking lot. Thousands of travelers were stranded as major air hubs such as Atlanta and New York, were closed down.

Belgium gives ill children of any age right-to-die Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:36 PM PST Twelve years after legalising euthanasia for adults, Belgium's parliament extended the right to die to terminally ill children of any age Thursday, despite opposition from the Church and some pediatricians. After months of heated debate, the lower House of Representatives adopted legislation making the largely Catholic country the second after the Netherlands to allow mercy-killing for children, and the first to lift all age restrictions. Belgium is one of three countries in Europe to allow euthanasia for adults. Unlike the Dutch across the border, where euthanasia is allowed for children over 12, the law states that any incurably sick child may request to end their suffering if "conscious", and if equipped with "a capacity of discernment".

Brazil protesters march against bus fare hike Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:36 PM PST RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Hundreds of protesters are demonstrating in Rio de Janeiro's streets against a 10-cent hike in bus fares.

New Zealand 51-4 at lunch on day 1 vs. India Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:35 PM PST WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Ishant Sharma claimed three wickets as New Zealand stumbled to 51-4 at lunch Friday first day of the second cricket test against India.

Italian PM Letta to resign, opening way for Renzi Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:35 PM PST Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta announced his resignation on Thursday after his own party voted against his leadership, with 39-year-old leftist Matteo Renzi now expected to replace him. Letta said he will submit his resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano on Friday after less than a year at the head of an uneasy left-right coalition and just as Italy is beginning to emerge from a painful recession. Members of the centre-left Democratic Party's governing directorate voted 136 in favour and 16 against a motion requesting a change of government submitted by Renzi in a dramatic climax to a weeks-long feud with Letta. Renzi called on the Democratic Party to back a new "radical programme" and a government that could last until the end of the legislature in 2018.

Report: US success in immigration court drops Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:31 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly half of immigrants facing deportation from the U.S. are now winning their cases before an immigration judge, their highest success rate in more than 20 years, according to a new analysis of court data published Thursday.

Mexico City mulls legalizing sale of marijuana Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:29 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — Leftist lawmakers in Mexico City's legislature introduced a bill Thursday that would legalize the sale of marijuana within the capital, expanding on a national law that already decriminalizes the possession by users of small amounts of pot throughout the country.

Students launch fresh protests in Venezuela Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:26 PM PST About 2,000 students took the streets of the Venezuelan capital to protest the leftist government Thursday, a day after three people were shot dead and dozens injured. Walking a few hundred meters (yards) to the west, where a young opposition protester died Wednesday, they complained of government violence and "oppression." A day earlier, thousands protested against rampant crime, inflation and shortages of basic goods in the biggest challenge to President Nicolas Maduro since he took over from the late Hugo Chavez last year. Top opposition figure Henrique Capriles insisted a coup was out of the question.

Cologna goes for 2nd gold in Sochi in 15K race Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:15 PM PST KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) — Dario Cologna only finished second the last time he competed in a 15-kilometer classical-style race, less than two weeks ago.

Canada, Sweden look for strong position in hockey Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:09 PM PST SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Sidney Crosby is pretty sure Canada shook off all of its jet lag in its Olympic hockey opener.

White House sees longer wait for Afghan agreement Posted: 13 Feb 2014 04:01 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is dropping its insistence that Afghanistan sign a crucial security pact within weeks, suggesting it could be willing to wait to see whether Afghan President Hamid Karzai's successor might be easier to work with in deciding how many U.S. and international troops remain in Afghanistan when combat concludes at the end of the year.

China aims for top of podium in women's aerials Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:59 PM PST KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) — When China decided to hand over its fledgling aerials program to Peter Judge 11 years ago, the Canadian helped unleash what former Chinese coach Dustin Wilson called a "Pandora's Box."

Russia in talks on Syria aid draft, U.N. aid chief urges action Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:52 PM PST By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. aid chief Valerie Amos urged the United Nations Security Council on Thursday to act to increase humanitarian access in Syria as the United States, France and Britain tried to find common ground with Russia and China on a draft resolution on the situation. The United States, France, Britain, Russia and China, the council's five veto-wielding powers, began negotiations on Thursday with Australia, Luxembourg and Jordan. The United Nations has said that some 9.3 million Syrians, or nearly half the country's population, need help.

Bode and Ted top the list of super-combi favorites Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:48 PM PST KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) — The men's super-combined on Friday opens a stretch of three Alpine skiing races in three days at the Sochi Olympics.

Salvador castaway never wants to see ocean again Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:47 PM PST SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — Doctors say the Salvadoran fisherman who apparently drifted at sea for more than a year is vowing never to return to the ocean and even plans to avoid the beach.

Storms taking toll on families, schools in Northeast Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:29 PM PST By Victoria Cavaliere and Chris Francescani NEW YORK (Reuters) - A winter storm that froze the U.S. southeast in its tracks pushed north on Thursday, with driving winds and heavy snow snarling travel and closing many schools from Washington to Connecticut, creating havoc for winter-weary parents. More than 700,000 people, including residents of Georgia and South Carolina hit by a heavy blast of ice a day earlier, were without power as the storm made its way up the coast, closing much of Washington and threatening to drop up to 18 inches of snow in some areas. Jane Mills, a former teacher from Nashville, Tennessee, who was walking with her 6-year-old granddaughter in Brooklyn, said it was "absolutely ridiculous" that public schools were open. About 1,000 people spent the night on cots and mats at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, the airport said.

1st-time Olympic gold medalist likely Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:26 PM PST SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Barring a shocking result in the free skate, a country will celebrate its first men's Olympic gold medal in figure skating Friday night.

US rappers Odd Future banned from New Zealand Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:24 PM PST WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The manager for banned U.S. rap group Odd Future says Tyler, The Creator, and his fellow members in the collective have changed over time and aren't being given credit for growing up.

IAAF appeals Turkey decision to clear Alptekin Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:17 PM PST MONACO (AP) — The IAAF has appealed the Turkish Athletics Federation's decision to clear Olympic 1,500-meter champion Asli Cakir Alptekin of doping, and has re-imposed her ban.

Institute: More digging at NKorea nuke test site Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:15 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. research institute said Thursday North Korea has accelerated excavation at a site used for underground nuclear test explosions, though a test doesn't appear imminent.

England weighing up Januzaj case - Hodgson Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:09 PM PST England are still assessing the possibility of calling up Manchester United's Belgium-born winger Adnan Januzaj, manager Roy Hodgson has revealed. Hodgson first expressed an interest in Januzaj last October after he scored two goals in a 2-1 win at Sunderland and the 19-year-old has continued to impress despite United's on-pitch struggles. Januzaj is of Kosovan descent and also qualifies to play for countries including Belgium, Albania and Turkey, but he is uncapped at youth level and has yet to pledge his allegiance to any particular nation. He could one day qualify to play for England on residency grounds and an FA spokesman has confirmed that England are liasing with world governing body FIFA over the issue of Januzaj's eligibility.

Drug policy must change in U.S., Europe -Uruguay president Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:04 PM PST By Malena Castaldi and Felipe Llambias MONTEVIDEO (Reuters) - The United States and Europe need a new strategy in the war on drugs and should look at alternatives such as the regulated sale of marijuana, says Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, whose country recently legalized the production and sale of cannabis. "For a small country, it's possible to experiment with this, but it's also very possible for a developed country because of the resources it has." In December, Uruguay's parliament approved a bill to legalize and regulate the sale and production of marijuana. Until things change there, it will be very difficult to change elsewhere," said Mujica from his home on the outskirts of Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, where he lives in a simple cottage with his wife and dogs. Mujica pointed to changing laws in other places, including those of U.S. states that have taken steps to decriminalize and even legalize marijuana use, as evidence of an "undeniable evolution" in attitudes.

Top Asian News at 11:00 p.m. GMT Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:03 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is dropping its insistence that Afghanistan sign a crucial security pact within weeks, suggesting it could be willing to wait and see whether Afghan President Hamid Karzai's successor might be easier to work with in deciding how many U.S. and international troops remain in Afghanistan when combat concludes at the end of the year. Karzai further exacerbated tensions with Washington on Thursday by releasing 65 accused militants from a former U.S. prison near Kabul. The American military angrily denounced the move, saying the men are Taliban fighters who will likely return to the battlefield to kill coalition and Afghan forces.

Tora Berger aims for 1st gold in Olympic biathlon Posted: 13 Feb 2014 03:00 PM PST KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) — Tora Berger of Norway is after her first gold medal at the Sochi Olympics when women's biathlon continues with the 15-kilometer individual race on Friday.

Quebec opens up untamed Anticosti to oil exploration Posted: 13 Feb 2014 02:59 PM PST Quebec announced Thursday it will open up the pristine wilderness haven of Anticosti Island to oil and gas exploration, forming a joint venture with French energy firm Maurel et Prom to scour its vast wilds. The Canadian province of Quebec and Maurel et Prom have committed a total of Can$100 million initially to fund the search for energy resources due to begin mid-2014. They will be helped by juniors Corridor Resources and Petrolia, which hold exploration licenses on the island and have agreed to transfer them to the joint venture in exchange for shares. The exploration work involving drilling of a dozen and a half test wells is expected to continue over the following two years.

Regulator: Sands hackers didn't steal credit cards Posted: 13 Feb 2014 02:55 PM PST LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Nevada gambling regulator said Thursday that the hackers who knocked down all Las Vegas Sands websites for three days and counting did not steal any patron data, including credit card information.

Latvia's Martins Dukurs man to catch in skeleton Posted: 13 Feb 2014 02:52 PM PST KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) — He's the scariest slider in skeleton, bar none.

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