Yahoo! News: World News

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• Exclusive: Vietnam PM says considering legal action against China over disputed waters
• Russia says troops pulling back from Ukraine border
• Nigerian Islamists extend killing spree in northeast: police
• Talks to end Thai crisis inconclusive, new round called
• Libyan renegade general challenges government as clashes rock Tripoli
• Russia vows to retaliate against U.S. human rights sanctions
• Tuareg separatists beat back Mali offensive against town
• Cayman jury convicts man of killing Swiss banker
• 'Happy' video arrests highlight tensions in Iran
• Obama discusses Syria with Jordan's King Abdullah
• Top Asian News at 11:30 p.m. GMT
• Mexico authorities rescue 35 kidnapping victims
• Kim, Kanye and Kardashian crowd converge on Paris
• Mexico City hit for guilt-trip breast-feeding ads
• Exclusive: Vietnam PM says considering legal action against China over disputed waters
• 5 things to know about Super Rugby round 15
• Top Asian News at 11:00 p.m. GMT
• Napolitano: Focus on border backup, not more walls
• US firms extend $2 billion oil loan to Venezuela
• Armstrong stripped of France's Legion of Honor
• US government wary of sanctions on Venezuela
• Boko Haram attacks kill more than 50 in Nigeria
• Nigerian extremists strike villages, 48 dead
• FBI head: Cyber crime posing 'enormous challenge'
• Activist rejects deal in US immigration case
• FIFA delays final test at stadium for WCup opener
• Chicago activist rejects deal in immigration case
• Russia says it will veto UN resolution on Syria
• Libya general calls for council to take power
• US steps up effort to find Nigerian girls
• Renegade Libya general wants 'presidential council'
• Teacher suspended over student death in Mexico
• Brazil strikes mar run-up to World Cup
• First Libyan minister backs forces of renegade general
• U.S. judge rules lawsuit against ex-Bolivia leader can move forward
• UN applauds Uruguay's plan to take Syrian refugees
• Mexican World Cup players banned from eating beef

Exclusive: Vietnam PM says considering legal action against China over disputed waters Posted: 21 May 2014 05:01 PM PDT By Rosemarie Francisco MANILA (Reuters) - Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said his government was considering various "defense options" against China, including legal action, following the deployment of a Chinese oil rig to disputed waters in the South China Sea. Dung's comments, given in a written response to questions from Reuters, are the first time he has suggested Vietnam would take legal measures, a threat that is likely to infuriate Beijing. "Vietnam is considering various defense options, including legal actions in accordance with international law," Dung said in an email sent while on a visit to Manila late on Wednesday. "I wish to underscore that Vietnam will resolutely defend its sovereignty and legitimate interests because territorial sovereignty, including sovereignty of its maritime zones and islands, is sacred," he said.

Russia says troops pulling back from Ukraine border Posted: 21 May 2014 11:47 AM PDT By Steve Gutterman MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Wednesday that troops deployed for exercises near the Ukrainian border had dismantled equipment and were moving to train stations and airfields for return to their permanent bases, but the United States and NATO said they saw no clear signs of a pullout. The Kremlin said on Monday that President Vladimir Putin had told his defence chief to order troops to pull back from the frontier with Ukraine, where eastern regions have fallen largely under the control of pro-Russian rebels. It said troops were returning to their permanent bases, but did not specify how many troops were leaving the area and made no mention of two other provinces that border eastern Ukraine. A withdrawal, cooling Western fears of a any immediate Russian intervention, could ease tension before Sunday's presidential election in Ukraine.

Nigerian Islamists extend killing spree in northeast: police Posted: 21 May 2014 01:08 PM PDT By Lanre Ola MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, May 21 - Suspected Nigerian Islamist militants killed 17 people in a remote northeastern village on Tuesday night, hours after a bomb killed 118 people in the central city of Jos, police said on Wednesday. Militants opened fire on Alagarno village and razed several houses to the ground, a source at police headquarters told Reuters. The attack was barely 30 km (20 miles) from Chibok, where Boko Haram Islamists abducted more than 200 schoolgirls last month. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for either assault, but Boko Haram has either claimed or been blamed for scores of similar attacks in that part of Borno state, near the hilly border with Cameroon.

Talks to end Thai crisis inconclusive, new round called Posted: 21 May 2014 02:05 PM PDT By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Amy Sawitta Lefevre BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's rival political factions would not agree to stop street protests on Wednesday during crisis talks aimed at ending the confrontation a day after the army declared martial law, a pro-government activist said. Although the military denied Tuesday's surprise intervention amounted to a coup, army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha appeared to be setting the agenda by forcing groups and organizations with a central role in the crisis to talk. "When asked whether each group can stop protesting, there was no commitment from either side," Thida Thawornseth, a leader of the pro-government "red shirt" political group, told Reuters. "There was no clear conclusion." Puchong Nutrawong, secretary-general of the Election Commission, who was also at the talks, said all sides would meet again on Thursday.

Libyan renegade general challenges government as clashes rock Tripoli Posted: 21 May 2014 02:26 PM PDT By Ayman al-Warfalli and Ahmed Elumami ABYAR/TRIPOLI, Libya (Reuters) - A Libyan renegade general called on the government to hand over power to the country's top judges, mounting a challenge against Tripoli as heavy fighting erupted in the capital on Wednesday. Western powers fear a call by General Khalifa Haftar for army units to join his campaign will split the nascent military and trigger more turmoil in the oil producing country which is struggling to restore order three years after the fall of strongman Muammar Gaddafi. The government is unable to control the militias who helped oust Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed 2011 uprising but are now defindefyingg authority. Haftar said government and parliament had lost any legitimacy because they were unable to purge the OPEC producer of extremists roaming around unchallenged.

Russia vows to retaliate against U.S. human rights sanctions Posted: 21 May 2014 10:13 AM PDT Russia vowed on Wednesday to retaliate against what it called "unfounded" U.S. sanctions imposed a day earlier on 12 Russians for human rights abuses, including allegedly denying medical care to a whistleblowing lawyer who died in a Russian prison. The United States did not link the sanctions - which expand a list of individuals targeted in 2012 over lawyer Sergei Magnitsky's death - to those imposed by Washington this year over Moscow's annexation of Crimea and unrest in eastern Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry did, however, accuse the United States of "double standards" for not speaking out about what it says are abuses by Ukrainian authorities in fighting pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country. "The American side is trying to moralize by showing false concern for the fate of the late Sergei Magnitsky at a time when the U.S. protégés, the Kiev authorities, are using force ... against the population in southeastern Ukraine." The statement highlighted the depth of the crisis in relations between the two former Cold War superpowers.

Tuareg separatists beat back Mali offensive against town Posted: 21 May 2014 05:02 PM PDT By Adama Diarra and Tiemoko Diallo BAMAKO (Reuters) - Tuareg separatists repulsed an attempt by Mali's army to take control of their stronghold of Kidal and seized another northern town on Wednesday, setbacks that could potentially embarrass President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita's government. Malian troops launched the offensive to retake control of Kidal after a clash over the weekend, while Prime Minister Moussa Mara was visiting. The renewed fighting threatens efforts to find a peaceful solution to the long cycle of Tuareg rebellions in Mali's desert north. The last rebellion in 2012 threw Mali into chaos when al Qaeda-linked Islamists hijacked the uprising and seized control of the country's north.

Cayman jury convicts man of killing Swiss banker Posted: 21 May 2014 04:47 PM PDT GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (AP) — A Cayman Islands jury convicted a local man of the 2008 slaying of a Swiss banker who was working in the British Caribbean territory, authorities said Wednesday.

'Happy' video arrests highlight tensions in Iran Posted: 21 May 2014 04:40 PM PDT TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — An Internet video of six young Iranian men and women dancing to Pharrell Williams' "Happy" has led to their arrests, showing how far Tehran will go to halt what it deems to be decadent Western behavior — despite the views of its moderate president.

Obama discusses Syria with Jordan's King Abdullah Posted: 21 May 2014 04:37 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama has discussed the situation in Syria with Jordan's King Abdullah II.

Top Asian News at 11:30 p.m. GMT Posted: 21 May 2014 04:33 PM PDT BANGKOK (AP) — The question to Thailand's army chief was a basic one: After he declared martial law this week, would he be consulting the government? His response encapsulated the increasingly surreal nature of this Southeast Asian country's political crisis. "Where is the government right now? Where are they now? I don't know," Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha snapped before adding awkwardly: "I'm not interfering with the government, or anybody."

Mexico authorities rescue 35 kidnapping victims Posted: 21 May 2014 04:29 PM PDT MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican federal officials rescued 35 people who had been kidnapped for ransom in the southern state of Guerrero, the federal Attorney General's Office said Wednesday.

Kim, Kanye and Kardashian crowd converge on Paris Posted: 21 May 2014 04:19 PM PDT PARIS (AP) — Working out, shopping, getting together with family — Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are doing it all in Paris this week.

Mexico City hit for guilt-trip breast-feeding ads Posted: 21 May 2014 04:18 PM PDT MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico City thought it had a racy but catchy ad campaign for its effort boost the low level of breast-feeding by Mexican mothers, going with a slogan that roughly translates as "give your breast to you child, don't turn your back on them."

Exclusive: Vietnam PM says considering legal action against China over disputed waters Posted: 21 May 2014 04:12 PM PDT Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said his government was considering various "defense options" against China, including legal action, following the deployment of a Chinese oil rig to disputed waters in the South China Sea. Dung's comments, given in a written response to questions from Reuters, are the first time he has suggested Vietnam would take legal measures, a threat likely to infuriate Beijing. "Vietnam is considering various defense options, including legal actions in accordance with international law," Dung said in an email sent while on a visit to Manila late on Wednesday. In late March, the Philippines submitted a case to an arbitration tribunal in The Hague, challenging China's claims to the South China Sea.

5 things to know about Super Rugby round 15 Posted: 21 May 2014 04:03 PM PDT WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — With five regular season rounds remaining in Super Rugby, very little is certain about the outcome of the playoffs race.

Top Asian News at 11:00 p.m. GMT Posted: 21 May 2014 04:02 PM PDT BANGKOK (AP) — The question to Thailand's army chief was a basic one: After he declared martial law this week, would he be consulting the government? His response encapsulated the increasingly surreal nature of this Southeast Asian country's political crisis. "Where is the government right now? Where are they now? I don't know," Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha snapped before adding awkwardly: "I'm not interfering with the government, or anybody."

Napolitano: Focus on border backup, not more walls Posted: 21 May 2014 03:57 PM PDT MEXICO CITY (AP) — Political calls for more walls and policing at the U.S.-Mexico border are a "straw man" designed to defeat immigration reform, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said Wednesday.

US firms extend $2 billion oil loan to Venezuela Posted: 21 May 2014 03:54 PM PDT CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA has secured a $2 billion credit line from several energy service companies, including U.S.-based Halliburton and Schlumberger.

Armstrong stripped of France's Legion of Honor Posted: 21 May 2014 03:39 PM PDT PARIS (AP) — Lance Armstrong has been stripped of his award in the Legion of Honor, the best-known recognition in France.

US government wary of sanctions on Venezuela Posted: 21 May 2014 03:37 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — As sanctions legislation against Venezuela advances in Congress, the Obama administration is finding itself wedged between pressure from Capitol Hill to punish officials over human rights and regional governments that think such a move would only add to tensions in the South American country.

Boko Haram attacks kill more than 50 in Nigeria Posted: 21 May 2014 03:34 PM PDT Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - Boko Haram gunmen killed more than 50 people in three separate attacks, including two near Chibok, the Nigerian town where the Islamists kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls last month, witnesses said on Wednesday. The first attack on Monday afternoon killed 10 in the village of Shawa, some seven kilometres (4.3 miles) from Chibok, in northeastern Borno state, a number of residents told AFP on condition of anonymity. "It was a sudden attack," said resident Haruna Bitrus, in an account supported by other locals. Many of those who fled the Alagarno attack ran to Chibok, where Boko Haram seized 276 schoolgirls on April 14.

Nigerian extremists strike villages, 48 dead Posted: 21 May 2014 03:28 PM PDT JOS, Nigeria (AP) — Islamic militants killed 48 villagers in northeastern Nigeria near the town where they kidnapped 300 schoolgirls, and the U.S. said Wednesday it was sending in 80 military personnel to expand the drone search for the captives.

FBI head: Cyber crime posing 'enormous challenge' Posted: 21 May 2014 03:16 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Law enforcement faces an "enormous challenge" in preventing state-sponsored cyber crimes, FBI Director James Comey said Wednesday, days after the Justice Department announced charges against five Chinese military officials accused of hacking into American companies to steal trade secrets.

Activist rejects deal in US immigration case Posted: 21 May 2014 03:13 PM PDT DETROIT (AP) — An Arab-American activist rejected a plea deal Wednesday and said she would hire a new attorney to defend her against a charge of failing to tell U.S. officials about her role in a 1969 bombing in Israel.

FIFA delays final test at stadium for WCup opener Posted: 21 May 2014 03:10 PM PDT SAO PAULO (AP) — The final test event at the troubled World Cup stadium in Sao Paulo has been pushed back, soccer officials said Wednesday, raising fresh uncertainty about the arena's readiness to host the opening match of the tournament.

Chicago activist rejects deal in immigration case Posted: 21 May 2014 03:07 PM PDT DETROIT (AP) — An Arab-American activist rejected a plea deal Wednesday and said she would hire a new attorney to defend her against a charge of failing to tell U.S. officials about her role in a 1969 bombing in Israel.

Russia says it will veto UN resolution on Syria Posted: 21 May 2014 03:00 PM PDT UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Russia's ambassador to the United Nations said his country will veto a U.N. Security Council resolution to refer the crisis in Syria to the International Criminal Court, calling it a "publicity stunt" and warning that it will harm efforts to end the violence by political means.

Libya general calls for council to take power Posted: 21 May 2014 02:55 PM PDT TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Gen. Khalifa Hifter has been waiting decades for his moment.

US steps up effort to find Nigerian girls Posted: 21 May 2014 02:46 PM PDT Jos (Nigeria) (AFP) - The United States deployed 80 military personnel to Chad on Wednesday to help find 200 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram, as Nigeria probed its deadliest attack ever with the militant group the main suspect. In a letter to congress, US President Barack Obama said the personnel would stay in Chad until their support in ending the abduction nightmare that has outraged the world "is no longer required". "These personnel will support the operation of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft for missions over northern Nigeria and the surrounding area," Obama said. The troops mark a significant boost to an existing US military effort which includes the use of surveillance drones as well as manned aircraft over Nigeria.

Renegade Libya general wants 'presidential council' Posted: 21 May 2014 02:40 PM PDT Tripoli (AFP) - Khalifa Haftar, the renegade Libyan general who has launched an assault against Islamists in Benghazi, called Wednesday for a civilian "presidential council" to be formed.

Teacher suspended over student death in Mexico Posted: 21 May 2014 02:38 PM PDT MEXICO CITY (AP) — A teacher and the assistant principal at a junior high school where a student was thrown against a wall by four classmates and later died of his injuries have been suspended pending an investigation, education authorities in a northern Mexico border state said.

Brazil strikes mar run-up to World Cup Posted: 21 May 2014 02:37 PM PDT A bus drivers' strike stranded more than two million passengers in Sao Paulo on Wednesday, just 22 days before the Brazilian megacity hosts the opening match of the World Cup.

First Libyan minister backs forces of renegade general Posted: 21 May 2014 02:33 PM PDT TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Libya's culture minister said on Wednesday he would support irregular forces led by a renegade general who is challenging the Tripoli government, the first government member to back him. "I support the Libyan National Army," Habib Amin told Reuters, referring to the forces of renegade general Khalifa Haftar. He said he would not recognise parliament any longer as it had proved unable to run the country. (Reporting by Feras Bosalum; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

U.S. judge rules lawsuit against ex-Bolivia leader can move forward Posted: 21 May 2014 02:33 PM PDT By Zachary Fagenson MIAMI (Reuters) - A Miami federal judge will allow a lawsuit to proceed against a former Bolivian president accused of overseeing a deadly military crackdown during 2003 street protests in the South American country. The suit against Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada and his former defense minister, Carlos Sanchez Berzain, alleges the men ordered the Bolivian military to use violence to tamp down demonstrations over a government plan to export natural gas through Chile. Both men fled Bolivia after the protests and have since lived in exile in the United States. A judge on Tuesday dismissed efforts by Sanchez de Lozada and Berzain to have the lawsuit dismissed on grounds the Bolivian government has paid compensation to the victims' families.

UN applauds Uruguay's plan to take Syrian refugees Posted: 21 May 2014 02:28 PM PDT MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — The United Nations' refugee commission expressed gratitude Wednesday that Uruguay is preparing to provide a new home for 100 children orphaned by Syria's civil war.

Mexican World Cup players banned from eating beef Posted: 21 May 2014 02:28 PM PDT MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico's World Cup players are being banned from eating beef, a move aimed at avoiding positive doping tests from meat contaminated with the performance-enhancing drug clenbuterol.

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