Yahoo! News: World News

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• Ukraine wants fugitive president to face Hague court
• Iraqi leaders give conflicting answers on reported Iran arms deal
• Pakistan launches new strikes near Afghan border; warns militants
• Syrians set to replace Afghans as largest refugee population: U.N.
• Italy's Renzi wins final confidence vote, pledging reform
• Eyeing Afghan exit, U.S. intensifies campaign against Haqqani militants
• New Zealand will sell stake in 3rd power company
• Zack Greinke no fan of Dodgers' Australia trip
• China would use coal plant to power Jamaica port
• Neighbors foil attempt to steal wall, Banksy mural
• Collapse of exchange spells trouble for bitcoin
• Turkey PM vows action against 'fake' leaked recordings
• Thomaz Bellucci reaches 2nd round in Brazil Open
• Mexico makes clear it will hold on to 'El Chapo'
• Confused Japanese tourists trigger highway pursuit
• Khan hits out at Mayweather after snub
• Former Olympic champ Hackett to enter rehab in US
• Britain's Hague, Jolie to chair summit on rape in war
• Zakopalova advances to 2nd round in Brazil Cup
• 16th-century Korean paintings found in Honolulu
• NASA to use space images to help monitor California drought
• UK's Hague says Ukraine must show determination to tackle graft
• Migrants say Australia sent them back on lifeboat
• FC Seoul makes strong start to Asian Champs league
• Pakistan poised for offensive in North Waziristan
• Panel faults US gov't over offshore tax evasion
• Uninspired, Man United loses 2-0 to Olympiakos
• Haiti judge: US citizen faces trafficking charges
• Top Asian News at 11:00 p.m. GMT
• Olympiakos bring listless United to their knees
• Militants blow up Egypt gas pipeline in Sinai
• Founder of Liberation Theology hailed at Vatican
• Ex-President Carter planning trip to Venezuela
• PARIS: Gwyneth Paltrow designer opens shows
• Obama tells Pentagon to plan for Afghan pullout
• Asiana Airlines docked $500,000 over crash

Ukraine wants fugitive president to face Hague court Posted: 25 Feb 2014 10:14 AM PST By Timothy Heritage and Natalia Zinets KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine's parliament voted on Tuesday to send fugitive President Viktor Yanukovich to the International Criminal Court, while his acting successor expressed concern about "signs of separatism" in Russian-speaking Crimea. A resolution, overwhelmingly supported by parliament, linked Yanukovich, who was ousted by the legislature on Saturday and is now on the run, to police violence against protesters which it said had led to the deaths of more than 100 citizens of Ukraine and other states. With an early presidential election set for May 25, one of Ukraine's most prominent opposition figures, retired world boxing champion Vitaly Klitschko, confirmed he would run. Yanukovich was indicted by the new authorities for "mass murder" on Monday over the shooting of demonstrators in Kiev and is now on the wanted list, having last been seen at Balaclava in Crimea, near Russia's Sevastopol naval base.

Iraqi leaders give conflicting answers on reported Iran arms deal Posted: 25 Feb 2014 01:43 PM PST By Ahmed Rasheed BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi officials gave contradictory accounts on Tuesday about whether or not Baghdad had agreed to buy $195 million worth of arms and ammunition from Iran as reported by Reuters, a deal that if confirmed could damage Iraqi-U.S. relations. The Defence Ministry denied any such deal had been done, while a senior Iraqi government lawmaker who heads parliament's security and defence committee said Baghdad had bought "some light weapons and ammunition" from Tehran. The United States has demanded explanations from Iraq since such a deal would violate U.S. and U.N. sanctions imposed on Iran over its disputed nuclear program. An influential U.S. senator said the sale of 24 Apache attack helicopters to Iraq should be reconsidered until the matter was cleared up.

Pakistan launches new strikes near Afghan border; warns militants Posted: 25 Feb 2014 02:16 PM PST By Jibran Ahmed and David Brunnstrom PESHAWAR, Pakistan/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pakistani military launched new air strikes targeting militant hideouts in the North Waziristan tribal region on Tuesday, killing at least 30 people, and a senior government official warned of a big offensive unless the Taliban showed they were serious about negotiations. Pakistani fighter jets have been pounding targets in the region since the government's efforts to engage Taliban insurgents in peace negotiations broke down this month. North Waziristan residents have been fleeing the area on the Afghan border in recent days, anticipating a full-scale military offensive, leaving homes, shops and villages behind and settling in safer areas, such as Bannu, a town on the edge of the region. "The militants had captured a stretch between South Waziristan and North Waziristan and had established training centers where they were also preparing suicide bombers," said one military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Syrians set to replace Afghans as largest refugee population: U.N. Posted: 25 Feb 2014 02:38 PM PST By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Syrians are about to replace Afghans as the world's largest refugee population, fleeing a conflict where barrel bombs leave bodies in pieces and a generation of children are physically and emotionally scarred, top U.N. officials said on Tuesday. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the U.N. General Assembly that the world body would do everything to implement a U.N. Security Council resolution - adopted on Saturday to boost humanitarian aid access - and get help to millions in need. "What we need is guaranteed safe passage for humanitarian supplies along key routes." "It is incumbent on the Syrian government and all parties to the conflict to reach these agreements," he said. "Five years ago Syria was the world's second-largest refugee hosting country.

Italy's Renzi wins final confidence vote, pledging reform Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:20 PM PST By Naomi O'Leary and Gavin Jones ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi won a final parliamentary vote of confidence on Tuesday after pledging to slash red tape and "revolutionize" the economy. The Chamber of Deputies approved the confidence motion by the comfortable margin of 378 in favor to 220 against, fully empowering the coalition consisting of Renzi's Democratic Party (PD), the New Centre Right party, centrists and other small groups. The 39-year-old Renzi, Italy's youngest prime minister, said radical steps were needed to revive an economy that has barely grown for the past 15 years and restore citizens' confidence in politics. In his first address to the lower house ahead of the vote, Renzi said "Italy's finest page has yet to be written", in a speech that produced many of his trademark rhetorical flourishes but few specific policy commitments.

Eyeing Afghan exit, U.S. intensifies campaign against Haqqani militants Posted: 25 Feb 2014 01:16 PM PST By Missy Ryan and Phil Stewart KABUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has intensified its drive against the Taliban-linked Haqqani network in an attempt to deal a lasting blow to the militants in Afghanistan before foreign combat forces depart this year, according to multiple U.S. officials. The effort is taking on added urgency as the clock ticks down on a NATO combat mission in Afghanistan set to end in December, and as questions persist about whether Pakistan will take action against a group some U.S. officials believe is quietly supported by Pakistani intelligence. The Obama administration has created a special new unit based in Kabul to coordinate efforts against the militant group, according to officials familiar with the matter. It was set up late last year, as part of a new strategy that involves multiple government agencies, The unit, headed by a colonel and known in military parlance as a "fusion cell," brings together special forces, conventional forces, intelligence personnel, and some civilians to improve targeting of Haqqani members and to heighten the focus on the group, the officials said.

New Zealand will sell stake in 3rd power company Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:53 PM PST WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand's government has announced plans to sell a slice of a third state-owned power company as the final step in a contentious program of asset sales.

Zack Greinke no fan of Dodgers' Australia trip Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:51 PM PST GLENDALE, Arizona (AP) — It wouldn't bother Zack Greinke if he didn't have to travel for the Los Angeles Dodgers' opener against Arizona in Australia.

China would use coal plant to power Jamaica port Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:50 PM PST KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — A Chinese company wants to build its own coal-fired plant in southern Jamaica to generate the power needed for a hoped-for $1.5 billion port that the Caribbean island envisions as helping transform its chronically sluggish economy.

Neighbors foil attempt to steal wall, Banksy mural Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:49 PM PST NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Neighbors in New Orleans foiled what police say was an attempt to steal a chunk of a cinderblock wall bearing a painting by the elusive British graffiti artist Banksy.

Collapse of exchange spells trouble for bitcoin Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:46 PM PST TOKYO (AP) — The sudden disappearance of one of the largest bitcoin exchanges only adds to the mystery and mistrust surrounding the virtual currency, which was just beginning to gain legitimacy beyond the technology enthusiasts and adventurous investors who created it.

Turkey PM vows action against 'fake' leaked recordings Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:46 PM PST Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday condemned leaked recordings of him and his son allegedly discussing how to hide large sums of money as a "vile attack" by rivals, as calls mounted for his beleaguered government to resign. "What was done is a vile... and a treacherous attack against the prime minister of the Republic of Turkey. The leaked discussions, which could not be independently verified, were said to have taken place on December 17, the same day key Erdogan allies were caught up in police raids linked to a corruption investigation that has rocked the government.

Thomaz Bellucci reaches 2nd round in Brazil Open Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:42 PM PST SAO PAULO (AP) — Home-crowd favorite Thomaz Bellucci defeated eighth-seeded Santiago Giraldo of Colombia 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 to reach the second round of the Brazil Open on Tuesday.

Mexico makes clear it will hold on to 'El Chapo' Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:37 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico made clear Tuesday it is determined to keep Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman in its highest-security prison for the foreseeable future, putting off U.S. extradition in a move that could bolster President Enrique Pena Nieto's nationalist credentials but also shine a spotlight on the country's woeful judicial system.

Confused Japanese tourists trigger highway pursuit Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:18 PM PST SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A pair of confused Japanese tourists were pulled from their rental car at gunpoint last weekend after they triggered a highway pursuit in southern Utah by not pulling over.

Khan hits out at Mayweather after snub Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:13 PM PST Amir Khan unleashed a flurry of verbal jabs Tuesday at Floyd Mayweather after the unbeaten American passed him over for a lucrative May 3 bout and chose Argentina's Marcos Maidana. Mayweather, 45-0 with 26 knockouts, said Monday -- his 37th birthday -- that he would defend his World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council light-middleweight crowns against Maidana, 35-3 with 31 knockouts, and not Khan. The 27-year-old Englishman Khan -- who defeated Maidana in 2010 -- made his fury clear in a statement released by his promotions company and linked to a post on his Twitter feed, intimating that Mayweather was running scared.

Former Olympic champ Hackett to enter rehab in US Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:07 PM PST MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Former Olympic swimming champion Grant Hackett has flown to the United States to undergo treatment for an addiction to the sleeping medication Stilnox.

Britain's Hague, Jolie to chair summit on rape in war Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:57 PM PST British Foreign Secretary William Hague and Hollywood screen idol Angelina Jolie are joining forces to co-host a high-profile summit this year focused on ending rape as a weapon of war. Hague pledged Tuesday that the four-day London gathering in June would "be a summit like no other" bringing together foreign ministers from 140 countries as he was awarded the 2014 Hillary Clinton prize for Women, Peace and Security. It was Jolie's film "In the Land of Blood and Honey" which first opened his eyes to the extent of sexual violence in conflict zones, he told the award ceremony at the prestigious Georgetown University in Washington. "Sexual violence is often one of the first things that happens as soon as conflict or instability take hold," Hague said.

Zakopalova advances to 2nd round in Brazil Cup Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:57 PM PST FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil (AP) — Third-seeded Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic cruised into the second round of the Brazil Cup with a 6-3, 6-3 win over 17-year-old Croatian Donna Vekic on Tuesday.

16th-century Korean paintings found in Honolulu Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:47 PM PST HONOLULU (AP) — The Honolulu Museum of Art has discovered two paintings from late 16th-century Korea in its collection, including one that's been called an "earth-shattering" find.

NASA to use space images to help monitor California drought Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:44 PM PST By Laila Kearney SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - NASA scientists plan to use images shot from space and within the Earth's atmosphere to help California monitor one of the worst droughts in its recorded history, officials said on Tuesday. Scientists said they would deploy imaging tools to measure snowpack and groundwater levels and use a host of other technologies to help better map and assess the water resources in a state that produces half the nation's fruits and vegetables. "We're on the verge of being able to put all of these different kinds of instruments together, these measurements together, and start looking at the concept of perhaps closing the water budget of California," Tom Farr, a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory geologist, told reporters at a news conference. While much of the United States has experienced torrential rains and heavy snowfall this winter, California is in the midst of a drought threatening to inflict the biggest water crisis in its modern history.

UK's Hague says Ukraine must show determination to tackle graft Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:35 PM PST By Lesley Wroughton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Ukraine's new leadership will need to show it is willing to tackle reforms and pervasive corruption in exchange for long-term support from the international community, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Tuesday. Hague was speaking after talks with his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State John Kerry, in a hastily arranged trip to Washington to discuss events in Ukraine where the parliament ousted president Viktor Yanukovich on Saturday and handed the reins to acting president Oleksander Turchinov. Hague said he and Kerry discussed urgent financial help for Ukraine, whose economy has been hit by months of street protests and violence. He said he will meet officials from the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday.

Migrants say Australia sent them back on lifeboat Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:29 PM PST JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Two dozen asylum seekers stranded in Indonesia say Australian authorities blew up the boat that carried them toward Australia's Christmas Island then sent them back in a lifeboat, Indonesian officials said Tuesday.

FC Seoul makes strong start to Asian Champs league Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:16 PM PST SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — FC Seoul made an emphatic start to the Asian Champions League, scoring in each half to beat a lackluster Central Coast Mariners 2-0 in the opening round of group play on Tuesday.

Pakistan poised for offensive in North Waziristan Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:12 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Pakistan is poised to launch a full-scale offensive in its lawless tribal region North Waziristan if talks with Taliban insurgents fail, a senior Pakistan government official said Tuesday.

Panel faults US gov't over offshore tax evasion Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:09 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Billions of dollars in U.S. taxes are going unpaid because Americans are exploiting Swiss bank accounts, and the U.S. government has failed to aggressively pursue Switzerland's second-largest bank, a Senate investigation has found.

Uninspired, Man United loses 2-0 to Olympiakos Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:08 PM PST PIRAEUS, Greece (AP) — Manchester United's troubled season took another turn for the worse on Tuesday as David Moyes' side slumped to a 2-0 first leg defeat to Olympiakos in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Haiti judge: US citizen faces trafficking charges Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:03 PM PST PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A U.S. citizen and her Haitian mother face child-trafficking charges after they were caught carrying thousands of dollars in cash and running an adoption agency without a license, a Haitian official said Tuesday.

Top Asian News at 11:00 p.m. GMT Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:02 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama threatened on Tuesday to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year if a crucial security pact is not signed — and he ordered the Pentagon to accelerate planning for just that scenario. At the same time, in a rare phone call with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Obama indicated he was willing to wait his mercurial counterpart out and sign a security agreement with a new Afghan president after April elections. That would allow the U.S. to keep as many as 10,000 troops in the country.

Olympiakos bring listless United to their knees Posted: 25 Feb 2014 03:00 PM PST Piraeus (Greece) (AFP) - Manchester United were shunted towards an unscheduled exit in the Champions League after crashing to a shock 2-0 defeat at Olympiakos in their last 16 first-leg match on Tuesday. Goals from Alejandro Dominguez and Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell gave Olympiakos victory at an ecstatic Karaiskakis Stadium, to leave the Greek champions on the brink of the last eight for the first time since 1999. It was the first time United had ever lost to a Greek team, but their error-prone display was fully in keeping with a season in which the self-belief of the Alex Ferguson era has thoroughly abandoned them. Previously unbeaten in the group phase, David Moyes's side conceded defeat with a whimper on a chastening night in the Athenian port of Piraeus, failing to muster a single shot on target.

Militants blow up Egypt gas pipeline in Sinai Posted: 25 Feb 2014 02:57 PM PST Militants blew up a pipeline in Sinai late Tuesday that transports gas to Jordan, security officials said, in the fourth such attack this year in the restive peninsula. Militants planted explosives under the pipeline south of the city of Al-Arish in an area called Lehfen, they said. The explosion sent thick flames of fire shooting into the sky, security officials said, adding that fire engines and ambulances had been rushed to the site. On February 11, militants planted a bomb under a pipeline that transported gas to an industrial area of the restive Sinai.

Founder of Liberation Theology hailed at Vatican Posted: 25 Feb 2014 02:53 PM PST VATICAN CITY (AP) — The founder of liberation theology, the Latin American-inspired Catholic theology advocating for the poor, received a hero's welcome Tuesday at the Vatican as the once-criticized movement continues its rehabilitation under Pope Francis.

Ex-President Carter planning trip to Venezuela Posted: 25 Feb 2014 02:47 PM PST CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is expressing concern about Venezuela's escalating political crisis and wants to meet with leaders on both sides to help ease tensions in an upcoming trip.

PARIS: Gwyneth Paltrow designer opens shows Posted: 25 Feb 2014 02:45 PM PST PARIS (AP) — It's "Bonjour Paris!" as the world's largest traveling circus dashes to the City of Light for the final snooty say on what's hot and what's not for Fall-Winter 2014-15.

Obama tells Pentagon to plan for Afghan pullout Posted: 25 Feb 2014 02:44 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama threatened on Tuesday to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year if a crucial security pact is not signed — and he ordered the Pentagon to accelerate planning for just that scenario.

Asiana Airlines docked $500,000 over crash Posted: 25 Feb 2014 02:41 PM PST LOS ANGELES (AP) — U.S. transportation officials on Tuesday docked Asiana Airlines $500,000 for failing to promptly contact passengers' families and keep them informed about their loved ones after a deadly crash last year at San Francisco International airport, in the first penalty of its kind.

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