| With Russia outside the tent, G7 takes aim at Moscow Posted: 05 Jun 2014 10:17 AM PDT  By Luke Baker and Jeff Mason BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The United States and its allies used the first Group of Seven meeting without Russia in 17 years to condemn Moscow's actions in Ukraine and threaten hard-hitting sanctions if President Vladimir Putin does not help restore stability. Meeting in Brussels rather than the Black Sea resort of Sochi - a snub to Russia which was supposed to have hosted the G8 - Western powers and Japan delivered strong rhetoric, even if the EU's commitment to further sanctions remains in doubt. "We are united in condemning the Russian Federation's continuing violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," the United States, Germany, Japan, France, Britain, Italy and Canada said in a joint statement.
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| Exclusive: Canadian review will recommend buying Lockheed F-35 fighter jet - sources Posted: 05 Jun 2014 03:49 PM PDT  By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Canada is poised to buy 65 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets, sources familiar with the process told Reuters, marking a major renewal of Canada's fighter fleet and helping contain costs of the expensive defense program. An 18-month review of Canada's fighter jet needs has concluded that the government should skip a new competition and proceed with the C$9 billion ($8.22 billion) purchase, three sources said. The decision must still be finalized by Prime Minister Stephen Harper's cabinet. Canada's planned purchase is the 6th-largest by a country and would further safeguard the $399 billion program.
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| Hollande bids to use D-Day encounters for Ukraine thaw Posted: 05 Jun 2014 02:44 PM PDT  By John Irish and Jeff Mason PARIS (Reuters) - President Francois Hollande urged world leaders arriving in France on Thursday to mark the 70th anniversary of World War Two's D-Day landings to use the occasion to ease tensions over the Ukraine crisis. Hollande, criticised at home for a lack of initiative on Ukraine, was due to have a working dinner with U.S. President Barack Obama before dashing across Paris to join Russia's Vladimir Putin for a second evening meal later on Thursday.
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| Chinese military spending exceeds $145 billion, drones advanced: U.S. Posted: 05 Jun 2014 03:56 PM PDT  By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Chinese military spending exceeded $145 billion last year as it advanced a program modernizing an arsenal of drones, warships, jets, missiles and cyber weapons, the Pentagon said on Thursday, offering a far higher figure than Beijing's official tally. The Pentagon's estimate, using 2013 prices and exchange rates, was 21 percent above the $119.5 billion figure announced by China. China claims almost the entire oil- and gas-rich South China Sea and dismisses competing claims from Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia. Japan also has a territorial dispute with China over islands in the East China Sea.
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| Russia says U.S. should push Ukrainian leader to halt violence Posted: 05 Jun 2014 12:29 PM PDT  The United States should press Ukraine's new leader to stop violence and talk to separatists, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after meeting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday, Russian media reported. Speaking to journalists after talks with Kerry in Paris, Lavrov said Ukraine's pro-Western government should take the first step to stop the fighting and voiced confidence its opponents in eastern Ukraine's Luhansk and Donetsk regions would follow suit. "I have no doubt that our American partners can and are influencing Poroshenko." Poroshenko was elected on May 25 to replace a pro-Russian president who was ousted in February, in a chain of events that has set off deadly violence in eastern Ukraine and opened the widest rift between Russia and the West since the Cold War. The United States, EU and others have imposed sanctions on Russia over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in March.
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| Iran train crash kills at least 10, injures dozens: report Posted: 05 Jun 2014 03:12 PM PDT A passenger train collided with a freight train in northern Iran on Thursday, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens, Iranian media reported. "The train was en route from the northeastern city of Mashhad to Tehran. In 2004, a runaway train laden with fuel and fertilizers derailed in northeastern Khorasan province, exploded and burst into flames, killing about 300 people. |
| Hunt on for Canadian suspected in police killings Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:54 PM PDT MONCTON, New Brunswick (AP) — Royal Canadian Mounted Police combed the streets and woods of this normally tranquil city Thursday in search of a man suspected of killing three officers in the deadliest attack on their ranks in nearly a decade. |
| Low over Bay of Campeche has 40 percent chance of becoming cyclone: NHC Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:52 PM PDT (Reuters) - A low-pressure area over southern Bay of Campeche has a 40 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Friday. "Some development of this system is still possible over the next day or two while the low drifts generally northwestward toward eastern Mexico," the Miami-based weather forecasters said. This disturbance has potential to produce extremely heavy rains and life-threatening flash floods and mud slides over parts of southeastern Mexico during the next few days, the NHC added. ... |
| Surge in kids crossing US border strains patrol Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:51 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Border Patrol agents could arrest as many as 90,000 children trying to illegally cross the Mexican border alone this year, more than three times the number of children apprehended in 2013, according to a draft internal Homeland Security memorandum reviewed by The Associated Press. |
| UN inquiry finds war crimes on both sides in C. Africa Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:51 PM PDT  United Nations (United States) (AFP) - UN investigators say talk of genocide or ethnic cleaning in the Central African Republic is premature, but that evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity exists on both sides. An international commission of inquiry appointed by UN chief Ban Ki-moon in January has submitted an interim report to Security Council members, a copy of which was seen by AFP on Thursday. "Ample evidence exists to prove that individuals from both sides of the conflict perpetuated serious breaches of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity as well as war crimes," it says. "But talk of an international armed conflict, genocide or ethnic cleansing "at this point in time is premature" the report said, warning that without stronger international intervention that could change.
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| FIFA confident ahead of World Cup despite problems Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:51 PM PDT  SAO PAULO (AP) — FIFA is "not afraid" things will go wrong at the start of the World Cup despite preparation problems in Brazil.
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| France's Laurent scores first ever World Cup goal Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:42 PM PDT  On this day: First ever games played at World Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930.
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| Zidane inspires France to maiden World Cup triumph Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:40 PM PDT  On this day: Zinedine Zidane's headers help France beat subdued Brazil in 1998 home final.
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| Spain finally gets its hands on the World Cup Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:39 PM PDT  On this day: Late strike from Andres Iniesta helps Spain beat the Dutch and win 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
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| Quebec passes law allowing assisted suicide Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:36 PM PDT  Canada's Quebec province adopted legislation Thursday allowing terminally ill patients to kill themselves with a doctor's help, becoming the first jurisdiction in the country to effectively legalize assisted suicide. The move sets the stage for a judicial row with Ottawa, as federal criminal law forbids euthanasia even with a person's consent. To get around Canada's criminal law against assisted suicide, Quebec is expected to argue that this is a health issue, which falls under its jurisdiction, and not a criminal matter. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard defended the bill, saying it dealt with end of life care, and "not euthanasia."
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| Germany's 1994 journey cut short by Bulgaria Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:36 PM PDT  On this day: Iordan Letchkov header enough for Bulgaria to beat Germany in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in 1994.
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| Zidane shocks world with headbutt on Materazzi Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:34 PM PDT  On this day: Zinedine Zidane loses his cool as Italy beats France to win 2006 final in Berlin.
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| West Germany beats France in classic 1982 semi Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:32 PM PDT  On this day: In classic semifinal that sees first penalty shootout, West Germany beats France in Seville, Spain, in 1982.
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| Host West Germany fends off Dutch in 1974 final Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:28 PM PDT  On this day: Franz Beckenbauer lifts new trophy as West Germany beats the Netherlands in Munich in 1974.
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| Poland comes third in 1974 after beating Brazil Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:27 PM PDT  On this day: Grzegorz Lato claims "Golden Boot" as Poland beats Brazil to claim third in Munich in 1974.
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| Italy's Rossi breaks Brazil hearts in 1982 classic Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:25 PM PDT  On this day: Paolo Rossi's hat trick helps Italy beat Brazil in Barcelona, Spain, in 1982.
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| West Germany wins World Cup in 'Miracle of Bern' Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:23 PM PDT  On this day: West Germany surprises Hungary to win 1954 World Cup in Bern, Switzerland.
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| German MPs vote to quiz Snowden in Moscow Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:23 PM PDT  German deputies probing US spying said Thursday they would seek to question fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden in Moscow within the next four weeks. The parliamentary committee aims to assess the extent of surveillance by the US National Security Agency and its partners on German citizens and politicians, and whether German intelligence aided its activities. Deputies from the panel voted to try to speak with Snowden before their next session on July 2, with a preliminary "informal" meeting in Moscow aimed at assessing how to proceed. They said they would speak with Snowden's lawyer in the coming days to determine whether the American is willing to talk to them.
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| Irish examining possibility of other mass baby graves Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:21 PM PDT  Irish officials will investigate whether the mass grave for almost 800 babies discovered near a home for unmarried mothers run by nuns is an isolated case, Prime Minister Enda Kenny said Thursday. The announcement came as rights group Amnesty called for an urgent formal investigation into new evidence that suggests 796 children, from newborns to eight-year-olds, were deposited without coffins or gravestones, in a grave near a Catholic-run home, which operated from 1925 to 1961. Historian Catherine Corless, who made the discovery, says her study of death records for the St Mary's home in Tuam in County Galway suggests that a former septic tank near the home was a mass grave. St Mary's, run by the Bons Secours Sisters, was one of several such 'mother and baby' homes in early 20th century Ireland.
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| Dutch move to 1974 final after outwitting Brazil Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:21 PM PDT  On this day: Johan Cruyff stars against Brazil as Dutch claim final berth in Dortmund, West Germany, in 1974.
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| Colombia's Andres Escobar shot dead on return home Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:19 PM PDT  On this day: Tragedy strikes as Andres Escobar killed in Medellin, Colombia, during 1994 World Cup.
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| World Cup will be Lampard swansong - Mourinho Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:18 PM PDT  England midfielder Frank Lampard has decided to bow out from international football after the World Cup, according to his former manager at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho. Lampard, 35, was released by Chelsea at the end of last season and although he is expected to play on at club level, Mourinho believes that the time has come for him to retire from the international game. "I think the World Cup is the perfect way for somebody with more than 100 caps (104) to finish his career in the national team," Mourinho said. "I told him that: 'Don't go more than the World Cup.
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| Zidane helps France see off Brazil again in 2006 Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:16 PM PDT  On this day: Thierry Henry scores winner as France surprises Brazil in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2006.
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| Mourinho confirms Chelsea's Fabregas interest Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:15 PM PDT  Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that his side are interested in signing former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona. Asked if Chelsea had an interest in the Spain international, Mourinho told reporters in London: "We have some. Fabregas, 27, returned to Barcelona, his formative club, from Arsenal in August 2011 and has won five trophies over the past three seasons at Camp Nou.
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| Ronaldo leads Brazil to fifth World Cup victory Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:14 PM PDT  On this day: Ronaldo scores twice as Brazil beats Germany to win fifth World Cup in Yokohama in 2002.
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| 17-year-old Pele inspires Brazil to 1st World Cup Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:12 PM PDT  On this day: Pele inspires Brazil to win first World Cup against hosts in Stockholm in 1958.
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| Wie, Park shoot 65 to share LPGA lead Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:12 PM PDT  Waterloo (Canada) (AFP) - Michelle Wie matched her low round of the year with a six-under par 65 Thursday to grab a share of the lead at the $1.5 million LPGA Manulife Financial Classic. Wie and South Korean Park Hee-Young finished 18 holes one stroke ahead of China's Feng Shanshan with American Cristie Kerr and China's Lin Xi Yu another stroke adrift. Making her 12th start of the season, Wie sizzled early with birdies at the par-3 third, par-5 sixth and par-4 seventh. She closed the front nine with a bogey but answered with a birdie at 11 and closed with birdies on three of the last four holes, the final one from 12 feet after reaching 15 of 18 greens in regulation.
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| Blanc saves host France with 'golden goal' Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:08 PM PDT  On this day: France's Laurent Blanc scores "golden goal" as hosts leave it late to beat Paraguay in Lens in 1998.
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| Venezuela's judiciary targeting protestors Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:05 PM PDT  Venezuela's judiciary is cracking down on students and dissidents while allowing nine out of ten other crimes, including thousands of murders, to go unpunished, an international watchdog said Thursday. Some 1,500 students are facing prosecution over the massive protests that rocked the country for four months, including 160 who are still in prison, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) said in a report. At least 42 people were killed when opponents of President Nicolas Maduro took to the streets in February to protest rampant crime, runaway inflation and shortages of basic goods in the country with the world's largest proven oil reserves. Judges and prosecutors, under heavy political pressure, have made little progress in investigating the deaths or allegations of the torture of demonstrators, the ICJ said.
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| Alcoa evaluating its bauxite operations Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:05 PM PDT PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) — Aluminum producer Alcoa said Thursday it was reviewing options for its Suriname bauxite subsidiary two days after the country's leader said the multinational was preparing to slash local operations. |
| Lampard 'goal' brings technology a step closer Posted: 05 Jun 2014 04:02 PM PDT  On this day: Technology debate reopened after Frank Lampard 'goal' disallowed as Germany beats England in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 2010.
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| Switzerland exits 2006 World Cup without conceding Posted: 05 Jun 2014 03:59 PM PDT  On this day: Switzerland exits tournament without scoring a penalty in shootout against Ukraine in Cologne, Germany, in 2006.
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| Confetti greets Argentina's maiden triumph in 1978 Posted: 05 Jun 2014 03:58 PM PDT  On this day: Confetti greets Argentina after it beats the Netherlands to win 1978 final in Buenos Aires.
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