Yahoo! News: World News

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• Abe's coalition secures big Japan election win with record low turnout
• Hostages held in Sydney cafe, Islamic flag seen in window: local TV
• Syrian army recaptures territory north of Aleppo in fierce fighting
• Washington undecided on U.N. resolution for Palestinian state
• Turkish police raid media close to cleric rival Gulen, detain 24
• Paris, Berlin urge Poroshenko to press ahead with reforms
• In-form United 'forcing luck', says van Gaal
• Airlines, regulator say Sydney Airport operating normally
• Hostages held inside Sydney cafe, Islamic flag held up
• Major police operation unfolding in Sydney
• Bank of Japan business survey sees torpid outlook
• Over one in four voters want EU exit: poll
• UKIP candidate quits over comments
• Steven Smith to become Australia's 45th test captain
• Top Asian News at 12:30 a.m. GMT
• Sydney Opera House evacuated after suspicious package found: media
• Australian police arrest one on terrorism financing charges
• Denmark claims North Pole via Greenland ridge link
• Hostages held in Sydney cafe, Islamic flag seen in window: local TV
• Marta scores hat trick in Brazil's 3-2 win over US
• Cubans on homemade boat win refuge from rough seas in Cayman Islands
• Nicaragua rescue crews find capsized boat
• Guingamp hands PSG 1st French league loss
• Man United beats rival Liverpool, PSG loses
• Kerry, Lavrov meet as tensions soar over Ukraine
• Palestinians push UN bid as Kerry begins European talks
• F1 champion Lewis Hamilton wins BBC award
• Critics, defenders clash over US 'torture report'
• Lima hits 2 to give Benfica 2-0 win at Porto
• Haiti opposition cautiously welcomes PM's resignation
• PAOK beats Kerkyra 2-1 in Greek league
• Miss South Africa crowned Miss World
• At UN climate talks, a crack in rich-poor barrier
• Saudi soldier shot dead in Shiite area
• Villarreal ends Atletico's home unbeaten run
• Juve's lead over Roma in Serie A cut to 1 point
• S.Sudan's descent into horror as civil war enters 2nd year
• Saudi Arabian security man shot dead in Shi'ite area: police

Abe's coalition secures big Japan election win with record low turnout Posted: 14 Dec 2014 08:59 AM PST By Linda Sieg and Kiyoshi Takenaka TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's coalition cruised to a big election win on Sunday, ensuring he will stick to reflationary economic policies and a muscular security stance, but record low turnout pointed to broad dissatisfaction with his performance. NHK public TV said Abe's Liberal Democratic Party and junior partner the Komeito party were assured more than the 317 seats in the 475-member lower house required to maintain a two-thirds "super-majority" that smoothes parliamentary business. ...

Hostages held in Sydney cafe, Islamic flag seen in window: local TV Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:42 PM PST By Matt Siegel SYDNEY (Reuters) - Hostages were being held inside a central Sydney cafe where a black flag with white Arabic writing could be seen in the window, local television showed on Monday, raising fears of an attack linked to Islamic militants. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he was convening a meeting of the cabinet's national security committee for a briefing on what he called a hostage situation in Australia's commercial capital. ...

Syrian army recaptures territory north of Aleppo in fierce fighting Posted: 14 Dec 2014 11:28 AM PST BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syria's army seized an area north of Aleppo on Sunday and killed insurgents as fierce battles raged over the strategic territory, a group monitoring the war and state media reported. Syria's second city is at the heart of clashes between pro-government forces and a range of insurgents, including al Qaeda's Syria wing, Islamist brigades and Western-backed rebels. The United Nations Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura is seeking a local ceasefire in Aleppo to allow badly-needed humanitarian assistance into the divided northern city. ...

Washington undecided on U.N. resolution for Palestinian state Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:34 PM PST By Jeffrey Heller and Lesley Wroughton JERUSALEM/ROME (Reuters) - Israel said it hoped the United States would veto any moves at the United Nations to set a time frame for its withdrawal from territory Palestinians seek for a state, but a senior U.S. official said it was too early to say. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Rome on Monday to discuss various proposals for a Palestinian state that are circulating at the United Nations. ...

Turkish police raid media close to cleric rival Gulen, detain 24 Posted: 14 Dec 2014 11:10 AM PST By Daren Butler and Humeyra Pamuk ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish police raided media outlets close to a U.S.-based Muslim cleric on Sunday and detained 24 people including top executives and ex-police chiefs in operations against what President Tayyip Erdogan calls a terrorist network conspiring to topple him. The raids on Zaman daily and Samanyolu television marked an escalation of Erdogan's battle with ex-ally Fetullah Gulen, with whom he has been in open conflict since a graft investigation targeting Erdogan's inner circle emerged a year ago. ...

Paris, Berlin urge Poroshenko to press ahead with reforms Posted: 14 Dec 2014 01:44 PM PST BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande urged Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko on Sunday to press ahead with reforms to facilitate an economic recovery and access to foreign aid. Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement the two leaders encouraged Poroshenko in a telephone call "to get the planned sweeping reforms under way." "Only that way can the economy recover and the necessary international financial help be advanced," he said. ...

In-form United 'forcing luck', says van Gaal Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:57 PM PST Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal felt that his side's 3-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool proved that his methods are beginning to take effect at Old Trafford.

Airlines, regulator say Sydney Airport operating normally Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:56 PM PST SYDNEY (Reuters) - Airlines said on Monday that flights are landing and taking off normally at Sydney Airport, but a diversion is in place around the city's central business district after reports that a gunman had taken hostages in a cafe in the center of the city. The government-owned regulator, Airservices Australia, confirmed normal operations at both the domestic and international airports south of the city. (Reporting By Jane Wardell; Editing by Paul Tait)

Hostages held inside Sydney cafe, Islamic flag held up Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:53 PM PST Hostages were being held inside a cafe in central Sydney Monday with an Islamic flag displayed against a window, according to witnesses and reports, while police said they were also responding to an "incident" at the nearby Opera House. Martin Place in the central business district was shut down as scores of armed police surrounded the Lindt chocolate cafe, with TV pictures showing a flag -- black with white Arabic writing -- held to a window by terrified customers. "We raced to the window and saw the shocking and chilling sight of people putting their hands up against the panes of glass at the cafe," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Australia has been on high alert after the government raised concerns that citizens who have fought alongside jihadists in Iraq and Syria could return home radicalised and capable of carrying out attacks.

Major police operation unfolding in Sydney Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:49 PM PST SYDNEY (AP) — A major police operation was underway in downtown Sydney on Monday, where several people inside a chocolate shop and cafe could be seen through the windows with their hands held in the air.

Bank of Japan business survey sees torpid outlook Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:48 PM PST TOKYO (AP) — Japanese businesses are cautious over prospects for a recovery, according to a quarterly central bank survey released Monday that showed a mixed outlook for the world's third-largest economy.

Over one in four voters want EU exit: poll Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:47 PM PST London (AFP) - Over four in ten voters want Britain to leave the European Union, a survey showed on Monday.

UKIP candidate quits over comments Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:41 PM PST London (AFP) - A UK Independence Party candidate for a key seat was forced to resign on Sunday over offensive comments.

Steven Smith to become Australia's 45th test captain Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:37 PM PST SYDNEY (AP) — Steven Smith will become Australia's 45th test captain and its third youngest when he steps in for the injured Michael Clarke against India in the second cricket test at Brisbane starting Wednesday.

Top Asian News at 12:30 a.m. GMT Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:32 PM PST TOKYO (AP) — Japan's ruling coalition won a resounding victory in lower house elections Sunday, firming up Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's hold on power as he prepares to push forward on several politically difficult fronts. The conservative Liberal Democratic Party, which has ruled for most of the post-World War II era, locked up a solid majority, and appeared headed to winning at least two-thirds of the House of Representatives together with its coalition partner, the Buddhist-backed Komei party.

Sydney Opera House evacuated after suspicious package found: media Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:25 PM PST SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's world-famous Sydney Opera House was evacuated after a suspicious package was found, television channels reported on Monday, soon after gunmen were reported holding hostages in the center of the city. A police operation was already underway in the central business district of Sydney after hostages were being held inside a cafe, where a black flag with white Arabic text could be seen in the window. A spokeswoman for New South Wales police could not immediately confirm the reports. An Opera House spokeswoman did not answer calls. ...

Australian police arrest one on terrorism financing charges Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:01 PM PST By Matt Siegel SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian police arrested a Sydney man on Monday as part of operations to disrupt the flow of money and fighters to conflict zones such as those in Iraq and Syria, where dozens of Australians are said to have joined Islamist militant groups. The arrest of the 25-year-old man was part of investigations into the planning of an attack on Australian soil and the facilitation of travel of Australian citizens to Syria to engage in armed combat", the Australian Federal Police said in a statement. ...

Denmark claims North Pole via Greenland ridge link Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:55 PM PST COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Scientific data shows Greenland's continental shelf is connected to a ridge beneath the Arctic Ocean, giving Danes a claim to the North Pole and any potential energy resources beneath it, Denmark's foreign minister said.

Hostages held in Sydney cafe, Islamic flag seen in window: local TV Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:54 PM PST SYDNEY (Reuters) - Hostages were being held inside a central Sydney cafe where a black flag with white Arabic writing could be seen in the window, local television showed on Monday, raising fears of an attack linked to Islamic militants. Australia, which is backing the United States and its escalating action against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, is on high alert for attacks by radicalized Muslims or by home-grown fighters returning from fighting in the Middle East. ...

Marta scores hat trick in Brazil's 3-2 win over US Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:47 PM PST BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Five-time world player of the year Marta scored three goals to lead Brazil to a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the U.S. women's soccer team in the International Tournament of Brasilia on Sunday.

Cubans on homemade boat win refuge from rough seas in Cayman Islands Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:37 PM PST By Peter Polack GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (Reuters) - A group of 26 Cubans on a homemade wooden boat were granted temporary refuge in the Cayman Islands when bad weather interrupted their quest to seek exile in the United States. The four women and 22 men, almost all from the coastal town of Santa Cruz Del Sur in the southeastern province of Camaguey, were four days into their journey when they took shelter from high seas on Wednesday. In a break from normal rules, Cayman authorities said they can remain until the weather improves. ...

Nicaragua rescue crews find capsized boat Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:18 PM PST PUERTO CABEZAS, Nicaragua (AP) — Rescue crews in Nicaragua have found a fishing boat that capsized in the Caribbean last week with 50 people aboard and are searching for 18 crew members who remain missing, authorities said Sunday.

Guingamp hands PSG 1st French league loss Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:14 PM PST PARIS (AP) — Jeremy Pied headed home the winner and goalkeeper Jonas Lossl denied Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a decisive save in the closing stages as defending champion Paris Saint-Germain slumped to its first defeat in the French league with a 1-0 loss at Guingamp on Sunday.

Man United beats rival Liverpool, PSG loses Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:05 PM PST PARIS (AP) — Manchester United's resurgence continued in the English Premier League as the Red Devils beat archrival Liverpool for a sixth consecutive league win on Sunday, while Juventus has its lead cut to one point in Serie A.

Kerry, Lavrov meet as tensions soar over Ukraine Posted: 14 Dec 2014 03:03 PM PST Top US diplomat John Kerry met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov Sunday, amid anger in Moscow over the prospect of new US sanctions and possible lethal military aid for Ukraine. The meeting in Rome came after US lawmakers passed a bill -- dubbed the Ukraine Freedom Support Act -- calling for additional sanctions against Russia and the delivery of up to $350 million (280 million euros) worth of US military hardware to Kiev. "Undoubtedly, we will not be able to leave this without a response," deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax news agency ahead of the talks. The Senate bill must still be approved by the White House, which has so far been reluctant to provide direct military assistance to Ukraine for fear of being drawn into a proxy war with Russia, which is backing separatist forces in Ukraine.

Palestinians push UN bid as Kerry begins European talks Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:59 PM PST The Palestinian leadership on Sunday said it planned to submit a resolution to the UN Security Council setting a two-year deadline for Israel to end its occupation, as US Secretary of State John Kerry launched a flurry of European meetings to revive the stalled peace process. Washington's diplomatic manoeuvring comes amid a European-led drive towards a recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations. In the past, the US has consistently used its power of veto at the UN to block moves it sees as anti-Israel, but US officials said Kerry was now seeking to learn more about the European position. Seizing the momentum, a senior Palestinian official said they would present a draft UN resolution in coming days on ending the Israeli occupation by late 2016.

F1 champion Lewis Hamilton wins BBC award Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:46 PM PST GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Lewis Hamilton has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year after winning his second Formula One title.

Critics, defenders clash over US 'torture report' Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:35 PM PST Defenders and critics locked horns Sunday over last week's release of a US report that aired harrowing new details of America's torture of "war on terror" detainees, and opened fresh political wounds. The US Senate report released Tuesday said the CIA's interrogation of Al-Qaeda suspects, including beatings, rectal rehydration, and sleep deprivation, was far more brutal than acknowledged -- and did not produce useful intelligence. Former US vice president Dick Cheney on Sunday vehemently defended the program, lauding the CIA operatives who ran it as heroes. "I'm perfectly comfortable that they should be praised, they should be decorated," the right-hand man to former president George W. Bush told NBC television's "Meet the Press" program.

Lima hits 2 to give Benfica 2-0 win at Porto Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:34 PM PST LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Lima scored twice to lead Benfica to a 2-0 win at fierce rival Porto on Sunday, the first victory for the Portuguese leaders at the Stadium of the Dragon since the 2005-06 season.

Haiti opposition cautiously welcomes PM's resignation Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:25 PM PST Port-au-Prince (AFP) - Haiti's emboldened opposition welcomed the resignation Sunday of Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, who faced repeated calls to go over the failure to hold legislative elections in the past three years. The increasingly unpopular Lamothe's resignation had been widely expected after President Michel Martelly said Friday that his cabinet chief was ready to leave "to help find a solution" to the Caribbean country's dragging political impasse. His critics have warned he could send back Haiti to dictatorial rule and also are demanding that he resign. A commission set up by the president has recommended forming a consensus government including opposition members, disbanding Haiti's electoral council and freeing political prisoners.

PAOK beats Kerkyra 2-1 in Greek league Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:25 PM PST ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Ergys Kace blasted a powerful shot from outside the area in the 81st minute to give PAOK a 2-1 victory over visiting Kerkyra in the Greek league Sunday.

Miss South Africa crowned Miss World Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:11 PM PST Miss South Africa, 22-year-old Rolene Strauss, was crowned Miss World 2014 at the contest's glitzy final in London on Sunday, with an estimated billion viewers watching on television around the globe. Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsar, was judged the runner-up and Miss United States, Elizabeth Safrit, came third in the 64th annual competition, contested by women from 121 countries. Medical student Strauss clasped her hands together in surprise and was crowned by the outgoing Miss World, Megan Young of the Philippines, to huge cheers in the ExCeL exhibition centre. "South Africa this is for you," Strauss said.

At UN climate talks, a crack in rich-poor barrier Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:08 PM PST LIMA, Peru (AP) — A last-minute deal that salvaged U.N. climate talks from collapse early Sunday sends a signal the rich-poor divide that long held up progress can be overcome with a year to go before a landmark pact is supposed to be adopted in Paris.

Saudi soldier shot dead in Shiite area Posted: 14 Dec 2014 02:06 PM PST A Saudi soldier died Sunday in a Shiite area of the Sunni-dominated kingdom's east after a gunman opened fire, official media said. Officers "came under fire from an unknown gunman firing from the farms" near Awamiya killing one soldier, the Saudi Press Agency said. Awamiya, just west of Dammam city on the Gulf coast, has witnessed clashes between security forces and protesters from the minority Shiite community. In February, a firefight in Awamiya left two policemen and two suspects dead.

Villarreal ends Atletico's home unbeaten run Posted: 14 Dec 2014 01:58 PM PST BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Villarreal ended Atletico Madrid's streak of 27 straight home games without a loss in the Spanish league after striker Luciano Vietto scored late to grab a 1-0 win on Sunday.

Juve's lead over Roma in Serie A cut to 1 point Posted: 14 Dec 2014 01:46 PM PST ROME (AP) — Patrice Evra scored his first goal in Serie A but Juventus was held 1-1 at home by Champions League hopeful Sampdoria on Sunday, and had its lead cut to one point.

S.Sudan's descent into horror as civil war enters 2nd year Posted: 14 Dec 2014 01:42 PM PST War in South Sudan is worsening with "extreme violence" and growing hunger, rights groups warned Monday, one year on since the start of conflict in which tens of thousands have died. Campaigners say South Sudan is locked into conflict, with the bloodshed that erupted in Juba exactly a year ago having set off a cycle of retaliatory massacres across large swathes of the country. "Twelve months on from the outbreak of this war, it is hard to fathom that worse could be yet to come," South Sudanese peace activist and priest James Ninrew said. Fighting broke out in South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, when President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy Riek Machar of attempting a coup.

Saudi Arabian security man shot dead in Shi'ite area: police Posted: 14 Dec 2014 01:21 PM PST RIYADH (Reuters) - An unidentified attacker killed a member of Saudi Arabia's security forces on Sunday, police said in a statement on state media, near a village where unrest among the country's Shi'ite Muslim minority has been focused. The village, Awamiya, has been the focal point of unrest among Saudi Shi'ites since mass protests in early 2011 calling for an end to discrimination against the minority sect and for democratic reforms in the absolute Sunni monarchy. ...

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