Yahoo! News: World News

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• Islamists kill 47 in attack in northeast Nigeria: police
• Venezuela unrest kills fifth person, Lopez faces court
• Kerry, Abbas meet at 'important point' in talks, U.S. says
• Less than a third of Scots plan to vote for independence: poll
• New fighting in Central African Republic blocks U.N. visit
• Kim skates last to defend Olympic gold medal
• Obama touts N. America's 'commitment to trade'
• Super Rugby starts 1st full round
• Russian security forces attack Pussy Riot members
• Venezuelans rally in support of jailed opposition leader
• Snowden warns 'overclassification' is danger to democracy
• Canada, Sweden face off for women's curling gold
• Obama, Turkish leader discuss Mideast conflicts
• Brother: Pakistani can stay in US for medical care
• Obama, Canada's Harper agree Ukraine truce would be positive step if implemented
• North Carolina defends coal ash oversight after second leak
• Malaria: High risk focused in 10 African countries
• Teller finds second career in skicross
• Obama in Mexico to meet with N. American leaders
• Bayern beats Arsenal 2-0 in Champions League
• Exclusive: Moldovan, Georgian leaders to visit U.S. - congressional aides
• Ukrainians in US, Canada urge protester support
• Cruise worker accused of raping passenger
• Obama threatens consequences for Ukraine violence
• U.S. says imposes visa bans against 20 Ukrainian officials
• Atletico beats Milan 1-0 in Champs League last 16
• US warns of airline shoe-bomb threat
• Obama talks trade, energy with N. American leaders
• It's Shiffrin vs. Schild in the Olympic slalom
• Boko Haram chief threatens attacks in Nigeria oil region
• Coaches downplay World Cup problems in Brazil
• Lawyers allowed to question Khalid Sheik Mohammed
• Signet Jewelers buying Zale for about $900M
• Family: Australian missionary held in North Korea
• Haiti president to meet with pope on European tour

Islamists kill 47 in attack in northeast Nigeria: police Posted: 19 Feb 2014 02:31 PM PST By Ibrahim Mshelizza MAIDUGURI (Reuters) - Gunmen from Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamist group attacked the northeastern town of Bama on Wednesday, opening fire on a school, shooting or burning to death 47 people and trashing the palace of a traditional ruler, officials and witnesses said. The death toll was confirmed by Lawal Tanko, the police commissioner for Borno state, which lies at the epicentre of an Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands in the past four and half years. He added that the assailants had also partly burned down the palace of the traditional ruler of Borno, whose kingdom was one of West Africa's oldest medieval Islamic caliphates. "Boko Haram came in at about 4.00 a.m. (0300 GMT), just when we were getting ready for the morning prayers," said Bama resident Abba Masta, who lives near the palace.

Venezuela unrest kills fifth person, Lopez faces court Posted: 19 Feb 2014 12:07 PM PST By Tomas Sarmiento and Deisy Buitrago CARACAS (Reuters) - A student demonstrator died of a bullet wound on Wednesday in the fifth fatality from Venezuela's political unrest, as imprisoned protest leader Leopoldo Lopez urged supporters to keep fighting for the departure of the socialist government. Tourism student and local beauty queen Genesis Carmona, 22, was shot in the head during a protest on Tuesday in the central city of Valencia, and died in a clinic. "She only needed one more semester to graduate." Tensions have risen in Venezuela since Lopez, a 42-year-old Harvard-educated economist, surrendered to troops on Tuesday after spearheading three weeks of often rowdy demonstrations against President Nicolas Maduro's government. "Today more than ever, our cause has to be the exit of this government," he said, sitting next to his wife in a pre-recorded video to be released if he was arrested.

Kerry, Abbas meet at 'important point' in talks, U.S. says Posted: 19 Feb 2014 11:30 AM PST By Arshad Mohammed PARIS (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met for dinner on Wednesday at what the United States called "an important point in the negotiations" over an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. At the time, Kerry said : "Our objective will be to achieve a final status agreement over the course of the next nine months." As that deadline has approached, U.S. officials appear to have scaled back their ambitions, saying they are trying to forge a "framework for negotiations" as a first step though they still hope to hammer out a full agreement by April 29. Such a framework could sketch the outlines of an accord to resolve the more than six-decade-old dispute, whose main issues include borders, security, the fate of Palestinian refugees and the status of Jerusalem. "We are at an important point in the negotiations where we are engaged with narrowing the gaps between the parties on a framework for negotiations, and it was an appropriate time to spend a few hours meeting with President Abbas to talk about the core issues," said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki.

Less than a third of Scots plan to vote for independence: poll Posted: 19 Feb 2014 04:19 PM PST Just under one-third (29 percent) of Scots plan to vote for independence in this year's referendum, according to a poll on Thursday that also found 42 percent intended to vote against. But the TNS poll also found another 29 percent were still undecided ahead of the September 18 vote to decide whether Scotland, which has a population of just over 5 million and is a source of North Sea oil, should end its 307-year-old union with England and leave the UK. The poll of 996 adults was carried out between January 28 and February 6. That was before the three main parties at Westminster - who oppose a break-up - had rejected the idea of an independent Scotland sharing the pound.

New fighting in Central African Republic blocks U.N. visit Posted: 19 Feb 2014 04:23 PM PST By Media Coulibaly BANGUI (Reuters) - Heavy fighting erupted near the airport in Central African Republic's capital Bangui on Wednesday, as Christian militia tried to block the evacuation of Muslims and disrupted a visit by a top United Nations aid official, witnesses said. About 6,000 African and 1,600 French peacekeepers have failed to halt the conflict. The latest clashes began after Chadian troops tried to escort a convoy of Muslims out of the city, said Songokoua Yetinzapa, a Bangui resident living in a vast camp for displaced civilians near the airport. Sebastien Wenezoui, a spokesman for the anti-balaka, said their fighters came out to defend the local population near the airport after they were targeted by Chadian troops who were escorting the convoy.

Kim skates last to defend Olympic gold medal Posted: 19 Feb 2014 04:13 PM PST SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Yuna Kim sighed when she drew the ball with the No. 24 out of the bag.

Obama touts N. America's 'commitment to trade' Posted: 19 Feb 2014 04:13 PM PST TOLUCA, Mexico (AP) — President Barack Obama on Wednesday touted the shared "commitment to trade" between the U.S., Mexico and Canada, while trying to reassure America's neighbors that he would seek to expand their economic alliances despite political resistance from his own Democratic Party.

Super Rugby starts 1st full round Posted: 19 Feb 2014 04:12 PM PST WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Chiefs will launch their defense of back-to-back Super Rugby titles under a heavy burden of injuries when they face the seven-time champion Crusaders on Friday in the tournament's first full round.

Russian security forces attack Pussy Riot members Posted: 19 Feb 2014 04:09 PM PST SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Cossack militia attacked Russia's Pussy Riot punk group with horsewhips on Wednesday as the artists — who have feuded with Vladimir Putin's government for years — tried to perform under a sign advertising the Sochi Olympics.

Venezuelans rally in support of jailed opposition leader Posted: 19 Feb 2014 04:06 PM PST About 100 supporters of jailed Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez rallied Wednesday outside a Caracas court where he had been due to hear charges blaming him for a deadly episode of violence. Heavy security surrounded the Palace of Justice, blocking streets leading to the building, where the Harvard-educated economist had been scheduled to appear after spending the night in jail. Lopez's dramatic surrender to national guard troops at a protest rally Tuesday came after two weeks of protests in the oil-rich country against the leftist government of President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro, successor to the late Hugo Chavez, is under fire over what critics say is rampant crime, runaway inflation, high unemployment and other economic problems.

Snowden warns 'overclassification' is danger to democracy Posted: 19 Feb 2014 04:05 PM PST Former US security contractor Edward Snowden on Wednesday spoke out about the use of state secrecy privileges as he presented an Oxford University award to fellow intelligence leaker Chelsea Manning. Snowden, who is in hiding in Russia, presented the prestigious British university's Sam Adams awards for integrity and intelligence to the jailed former US Army intelligence analyst via YouTube. "Many other western governments are on the same trajectory." Ex-private Manning, who was prosecuted as a man called Bradley but later asked to be recognised as a woman, is serving a 35-year jail sentence for leaking hundreds of thousands of diplomatic cables to the WikiLeaks website.

Canada, Sweden face off for women's curling gold Posted: 19 Feb 2014 04:01 PM PST SOCHI, Russia (AP) — In the summer of 2012, when she was pregnant with her first child and recovering from surgery to repair knee ligament damage, the chances of Jennifer Jones winning gold at the Sochi Olympics seemed remote.

Obama, Turkish leader discuss Mideast conflicts Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:57 PM PST TOLUCA, Mexico (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (REH'-jehp TY'-ihp UR'-doh-wahn) have discussed Mideast conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Israel.

Brother: Pakistani can stay in US for medical care Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:54 PM PST MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The brother of a Pakistani exchange student in a coma since a November car crash says diplomats have arranged to let him stay in the U.S. for continued medical care.

Obama, Canada's Harper agree Ukraine truce would be positive step if implemented Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:53 PM PST U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper reacted cautiously to a truce between the Ukrainian government and opposition leaders, saying it would be a welcome step if implemented. A White House statement describing face-to-face talks between Obama and Harper at a North American summit said the two leaders condemned violence in Kiev in which at least 26 people were killed.

North Carolina defends coal ash oversight after second leak Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:47 PM PST By Marti Maguire RALEIGH, North Carolina (Reuters) - North Carolina state officials defended their oversight of coal ash ponds on Wednesday, a day after a second leak was found to be threatening a river already tainted by toxic sludge from a spill earlier this month. The state ordered Duke Energy Corp on Tuesday to plug the second leak of arsenic-laced wastewater into the Dan River from its decommissioned Eden power plant, this time through a 36-inch stormwater pipe. The state's Department of Natural Resources (DNER) said the leak had been 90 percent contained. The agency has come under fire for its handling of the state's coal ash ponds, which it concedes are contaminating groundwater as well as harming aquatic life.

Malaria: High risk focused in 10 African countries Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:47 PM PST Gains in fighting malaria in sub-Saharan Africa have left the highest risk for the disease concentrated in 10 countries, according to a study published on Wednesday by The Lancet medical journal. Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Guinea and Togo together account for 87 percent of areas that have the highest prevalence of malaria, it said.

Teller finds second career in skicross Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:44 PM PST KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) — This isn't the Olympic dream John Teller originally had in mind.

Obama in Mexico to meet with N. American leaders Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:43 PM PST TOLUCA, Mexico (AP) — President Barack Obama sought to reassure leaders of Mexico and Canada of his commitment to new trade agreements between Asia, the Pacific and the Americas, even as he faces political resistance in the U.S. from members of his own Democratic party.

Bayern beats Arsenal 2-0 in Champions League Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:40 PM PST LONDON (AP) — Second-half goals from Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller gave holder Bayern Munich a 2-0 victory over 10-man Arsenal and a firm grip of their last 16 Champions League tie on Wednesday.

Exclusive: Moldovan, Georgian leaders to visit U.S. - congressional aides Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:40 PM PST By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The leaders of Georgia and Moldova are due to visit Washington in the next two weeks, congressional aides said on Wednesday, in what appears to be an effort to show U.S. support for Russia's neighbors amid the violent political crisis in Ukraine. Congressional aides said that Georgian Prime Minister Irakly Garibashvili will be in Washington next week, and Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca will visit during the first week of March.

Ukrainians in US, Canada urge protester support Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:36 PM PST PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ukrainians living in the United States and Canada reacted with tentative optimism Wednesday to news of a truce in the violence-torn country, while still shedding tears for their homeland and nervously wondering what will come next.

Cruise worker accused of raping passenger Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:34 PM PST FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A cruise ship worker is accused of raping a passenger aboard a Holland America Line vessel and then trying to throw her overboard, authorities said Tuesday.

Obama threatens consequences for Ukraine violence Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:33 PM PST TOLUCA, Mexico (AP) — President Barack Obama on Wednesday urged Ukraine to avoid violence against peaceful protesters or face consequences, as the United States considered joining European partners to impose sanctions aimed at ending deadly street clashes that are sparking fears of civil war.

U.S. says imposes visa bans against 20 Ukrainian officials Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:33 PM PST By Lesley Wroughton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday imposed visa bans on 20 senior Ukrainian government officials believed to be responsible for a violent crackdown by riot police against protesters, a senior State Department official said. "Today we moved to restrict visas to some 20 senior members of the Ukrainian government and other individuals we consider responsible for ordering human rights abuses related to political oppression in Ukraine," the official said. The official said a truce agreed between Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich and opposition leaders late on Wednesday represented "a glimmer of hope." Whether or not the truce holds would depend on talks scheduled between the government and opposition on Thursday, according to the official.

Atletico beats Milan 1-0 in Champs League last 16 Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:31 PM PST MILAN (AP) — Atletico Madrid struggled throughout but managed to win 1-0 at AC Milan thanks to a late Diego Costa header in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Wednesday.

US warns of airline shoe-bomb threat Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:27 PM PST US security officials warned Wednesday about a potential shoe-bomb threat on international flights to the United States, local media reported. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a warning to airlines based on "very recent intelligence" considered credible that assailants would try to attack passenger jets using explosives hidden in shoes, NBC television reported. Officials told NBC that passengers may be subjected to enhanced security screenings and airlines will pay more attention to passengers' shoes. Some airports already require passengers to take off their shoes for security after Richard Reid tried to detonate explosives stashed in his shoes during a Paris-Miami flight just three months after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Obama talks trade, energy with N. American leaders Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:27 PM PST TOLUCA, Mexico (AP) — President Barack Obama says the United States has every incentive to make its borders with Canada and Mexico more efficient.

It's Shiffrin vs. Schild in the Olympic slalom Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:18 PM PST KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) — Flip the switch. After eight daytime races, the Sochi Olympics' last two events are after hours and under lights.

Boko Haram chief threatens attacks in Nigeria oil region Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:17 PM PST Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - The leader of radical Islamist group Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, threatened attacks in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta region in a new video released on Wednesday. "You will in coming days see your refinery bombed," Shekau warned in the 28-minute video obtained by AFP through the same channel as previous clips. It is unclear when the video was recorded. "Niger Delta, you are in trouble," Shekau said, speaking in Hausa, the dominant language in northern Nigeria.

Coaches downplay World Cup problems in Brazil Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:09 PM PST FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil (AP) — National team coaches are keeping a close eye on Brazil's troubled World Cup preparations, but are confident that the problems will be solved in time.

Lawyers allowed to question Khalid Sheik Mohammed Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:09 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — Self-proclaimed Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed can answer hundreds of written questions from lawyers preparing to defend Osama bin Laden's son-in-law at a New York City terrorism trial next month, a judge said Wednesday.

Signet Jewelers buying Zale for about $900M Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:08 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — All the single ladies: Put your hands up.

Family: Australian missionary held in North Korea Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:05 PM PST HONG KONG (AP) — An Australian missionary who carried Christian pamphlets into North Korea has been detained there, his family said Wednesday.

Haiti president to meet with pope on European tour Posted: 19 Feb 2014 03:04 PM PST PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haitian President Michel Martelly has left Haiti for a weeklong trip to Europe that will include a visit with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

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