| Pakistan says U.S. drone strike violated its sovereignty Posted: 22 May 2016 12:42 PM PDT  By Mirwais Harooni and Phil Stewart KABUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pakistan accused the United States on Sunday of violating its sovereignty with a drone strike against the leader of the Afghan Taliban, in perhaps the most high-profile U.S. incursion into Pakistani territory since the 2011 raid to kill Osama bin Laden. Afghanistan said the attack killed Mullah Akhtar Mansour, which, if confirmed, could trigger a succession battle within an insurgency that has proved resilient despite a decade and a half of U.S. military deployments to Afghanistan. Afghan guerrilla commander Sirajuddin Haqqani, a possible successor to Mansour, would likely prove an even more implacable foe of Afghan government forces and their U.S. allies.
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| Egypt sends robot submarine to help plane crash search Posted: 22 May 2016 01:51 PM PDT  By Ahmed Aboulenein and Amina Ismail CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt has sent a robot submarine to join the hunt for an EgyptAir plane which crashed in some of the deepest waters of the Mediterranean Sea with 66 people on board, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Sunday. Sisi said that underwater equipment from Egypt's offshore oil industry was being brought in to help the search. "It moved today in the direction of the plane crash site because we are working hard to salvage the black boxes." An oil ministry source said Sisi was referring to a robot submarine used mostly to maintain offshore oil rigs.
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| Arms embargo on Vietnam in the balance as Obama visits old foe Posted: 22 May 2016 04:03 PM PDT  By Matt Spetalnick HANOI (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama began his first visit to Vietnam on Monday, a trip aimed at sealing a partnership with America's former enemy and part of his strategic "rebalance" toward Asia to counter China's growing strength in the region. Four decades after a war that deeply divided opinion in America, Obama will press for stronger defense and economic ties with the country's communist rulers but prod them too on human rights, aides say. The president's three-day stay is unusually long for one country, underscoring the importance he places on expanding relations with Hanoi.
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| Greek parliament approves reforms in exchange for aid, debt relief Posted: 22 May 2016 03:53 PM PDT  By Lefteris Papadimas and Renee Maltezou ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek lawmakers approved tax increases and a new privatization fund on Sunday and freed up the sale of non-performing loans in exchange for much-needed bailout loans and debt relief. Athens hopes the measures, two days before a key euro zone finance ministers meeting, will help it unlock the funds it needs to pay IMF loans, ECB bonds maturing in July and increasing state arrears. "Greeks have already paid a lot, but this is probably the first time that the possibility of these sacrifices being the last is so evident," Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told lawmakers before a vote in parliament.
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| Iraq announces start of Falluja operation, some residents flee Posted: 22 May 2016 04:26 PM PDT  By Stephen Kalin and Ahmed Rasheed BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the launching of an offensive to retake the Islamic State stronghold of Falluja after the military told residents on Sunday to get ready to leave before fighting started. "Zero hour for the liberation of Falluja has arrived. The moment of great victory has drawn near and Daesh has no choice but to flee," Abadi said on his official Twitter feed, using an Arabic acronym for the jihadist group.
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| Erdogan ally takes over as Turkish PM, vowing stronger presidency Posted: 22 May 2016 11:34 AM PDT  By Humeyra Pamuk and Gulsen Solaker ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan confirmed Binali Yildirim, a close ally for two decades and a co-founder of the ruling AK Party, as his new prime minister on Sunday, taking a big step toward the stronger presidential powers he has long sought. In a speech to AKP delegates who earlier elected him party leader at a special congress, Yildirim, transport minister for most of the past decade and a half, left no doubt that he would prioritize the policies closest to Erdogan's heart. "Erdogan is a man of purpose, a man of the people, a tireless defender of the great Turkey," he said.
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| Langer wins Regions Tradition for sixth major on senior tour Posted: 22 May 2016 04:30 PM PDT BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Bernhard Langer ran away with the Regions Tradition on Sunday for his sixth senior major and 27th PGA Tour Champions title. |
| Braga beats Porto on penalties to win Portuguese Cup Posted: 22 May 2016 04:24 PM PDT  LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Braga defeated Porto 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win the Portuguese Cup on Sunday, 50 years after its only previous title.
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| With India's Gandhis at rock bottom, opposition comeback a daunting task Posted: 22 May 2016 04:13 PM PDT  By Douglas Busvine and Rupam Jain NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Prashant Kishor, the election campaign manager brought in by India's opposition Congress party to reverse its declining fortunes, knew his real work would begin when the party hit rock bottom. The party run by the fabled Gandhi dynasty, which has led the world's largest democracy for most of its existence, suffered humiliation last week when it lost Assam to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a state election. The race was not even close, underlining the crisis facing the mother-and-son team of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
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| British Treasury warns leaving EU would cause recession Posted: 22 May 2016 04:09 PM PDT  Leaving the European Union would tip Britain into a "year-long recession", finance minister George Osborne warned Monday as campaigning stepped up a month from a referendum on membership of the bloc. Analysis released by the Treasury argued that leaving would cause "an immediate and profound economic shock" to Britain and damage economic growth. "With exactly one month to go to the referendum, the British people must ask themselves this question: can we knowingly vote for a recession?" Osborne said in an accompanying statement.
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| 6 dead in pair of nightclub shootings on Mexico's Gulf coast Posted: 22 May 2016 04:09 PM PDT VERACRUZ, Mexico (AP) — A total of six men were killed early Sunday in shootings at two nightclubs in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz, authorities said. |
| Britain risks year-long recession if votes for Brexit: Osborne Posted: 22 May 2016 04:06 PM PDT  By William James LONDON (Reuters) - Britain could sink into a year-long recession if it votes to leave the European Union, finance minister George Osborne said in his latest attempt to focus voters on the potential hit to the economy from an "Out" vote. "The British people must ask themselves this question: can we knowingly vote for a recession?" Osborne said in excerpts of a speech he is due to make on Monday which were released by the finance ministry.
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| Iraq announces start of operation to retake Fallujah Posted: 22 May 2016 04:04 PM PDT  Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday announced the start of a military operation to retake the city of Fallujah from the Islamic State group. The fight to recapture the jihadist bastion, which has been out of government control for nearly two and a half years, will be one of the toughest in Iraq's war against IS. "We are beginning the operation to liberate Fallujah," Abadi said in a statement.
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| Garcia beats Koepka with par on first playoff hole at Nelson Posted: 22 May 2016 04:03 PM PDT IRVING, Texas (AP) — Sergio Garcia made a par on the first playoff hole at the Byron Nelson on Sunday to beat Brooks Koepka for his ninth career PGA Tour victory, matching the late Seve Ballesteros for the most by a Spanish-born player. |
| Barcelona beats Sevilla in extra time to win Copa del Rey Posted: 22 May 2016 04:01 PM PDT  MADRID (AP) — Jordi Alba scored seven minutes into extra time and Neymar sealed the victory late to give Barcelona a 2-0 win over Sevilla for its second straight Copa del Rey title on Sunday.
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| Cavendish wins stage, Alaphilippe wins Tour of California Posted: 22 May 2016 03:47 PM PDT  SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Mark Cavendish won the final stage of the Tour of California in a sprint finish, and Julian Alaphilippe finished safely in the field to capture the overall title Sunday.
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| Canada highlights Syrian refugees in bid for UN Council seat Posted: 22 May 2016 03:33 PM PDT  Canada's UN ambassador said Sunday that the country's experience welcoming Syrian refugees helps qualify it for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, part of its push for a more active role on the world stage. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in mid-March that Canada would seek a rotating seat on the council during the 2021-2022 term. "Our experience with Syrian refugees, our experience living together in diversity with lasting peace and prosperity is an example for the world," the country's UN ambassador Marc-Andre Blanchard told public broadcaster CBC on Sunday.
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| Protests in Brazil's 2 biggest cities against acting leader Posted: 22 May 2016 03:23 PM PDT  RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Brazil's two biggest cities Sunday to protest acting President Michel Temer, trying to keep up pressure on his interim administration only 10 days after he was sworn in.
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| UK's Cameron battles his own party as Brexit row focuses on Turkey Posted: 22 May 2016 03:20 PM PDT  By William James LONDON (Reuters) - Chief 'In' campaigner Prime Minister David Cameron clashed with members of his own party on Sunday over the impending referendum on Britain's European Union membership, dismissing claims that he would be powerless to stop Turkey joining the EU. Cameron is leading the campaign to keep Britain inside the EU ahead of the June 23 referendum, the outcome of which will have far-reaching consequences for the country's economy, its role in world trade and its global diplomatic status. A 'Vote Leave' dossier said Britain would be exposed to increased immigration and security risks from Turkey if it ever joined the EU, saying that Cameron could not stop it becoming a member of the 28-country bloc.
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| US water polo captain Azevedo preps for record 5th Olympics Posted: 22 May 2016 03:17 PM PDT LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tony Azevedo is a speed boat in a pool full of aircraft carriers. And 16 years after he burst onto the international scene, he remains one of the world's most dangerous scorers. |
| New aid network to boost local charities helping people in crisis Posted: 22 May 2016 02:40 PM PDT  By Megan Rowling ISTANBUL (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - African, Asian and Middle Eastern aid groups have set up a network to help them gain more funding for their work with communities hit by war and natural disasters, and a greater say in how aid is delivered. Large international aid agencies often take priority over smaller local groups when it comes to resources and deciding how to help people hit by a crisis, groups based in developing countries said. The Network for Empowered Aid Response (NEAR), launched in Istanbul ahead of the May 23-24 World Humanitarian Summit, brings together some 55 organizations with the aim of sharing their expertise and gaining greater recognition for their work.
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| Israel lifts Gaza cement import ban Posted: 22 May 2016 02:20 PM PDT  Israel said late Sunday it was lifting a ban imposed last month on private imports of cement to the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. "In accordance with the security assessment and the understandings reached with the international community, as of today Sunday May 22 the re-entry of cement into Gaza has been approved," said a statement from the government body responsible for implementing policies in the Palestinian territories, COGAT. The ban was imposed in early April, with Israel accusing Imad al-Baz, deputy director of the Hamas economy ministry, of diverting supplies.
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| Britain's Loach rages against EU austerity after Cannes win Posted: 22 May 2016 02:16 PM PDT  British director Ken Loach launched a withering attack on austerity economics which he said had led the European Union to "near catastrophe", after winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival Sunday. "I, Daniel Blake", the veteran left-wing filmmaker's damning indictment of the poverty and humiliation inflicted on the most vulnerable by welfare cuts in Britain, moved many critics to tears. "The world we live in is at a dangerous point just now," said Loach as he picked up the award.
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| Heavy air strikes hit rebel road to Syria's Aleppo: monitor, rebels Posted: 22 May 2016 02:11 PM PDT  By Tom Perry and Suleiman Al-Khalidi BEIRUT/AMMAN (Reuters) - Air strikes hit the only road into rebel-held areas of Aleppo city on Sunday in the heaviest bombing since February, a rebel official and monitors said, jeopardizing access where around 300,000 Syrians live. Defense officials from Syria's government and its ally Russia could not immediately be reached for comment. The city of Aleppo, about 30 miles (50 km) south of the Turkish border, is divided between the government and rebels fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
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| Ariya Jutanugarn wins 2nd in a row on the LPGA Tour Posted: 22 May 2016 02:03 PM PDT  WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) — Ariya Jutanugarn quickly has made winning a habit on the LPGA Tour.
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| Families of EgyptAir victims struggle to accept loss Posted: 22 May 2016 01:51 PM PDT By Amina Ismail CAIRO (Reuters) - Amal sits in the lobby of a hotel staring out at Cairo airport. "She doesn't want to believe it... I told her to switch off her phone, but she said, what if Samar calls?" The 27-year-old newlywed is among the 66 people thought to have been killed when the jet crashed on its way from Paris to Cairo. EgyptAir has put up the families of dead passengers and crew members in two hotels near Cairo's airport but many have gone home to receive condolences for the loss of their loved ones. |
| Roman police probe whether pharma boss died in car crash Posted: 22 May 2016 01:44 PM PDT BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian police say they are investigating the death of a man whose car slammed into a tree. The victim's identity wasn't immediately confirmed but police said Sunday that they found identity documents of the chief executive of a pharmaceutical company which is under indictment. |
| Egypt sends submarine to hunt for crashed jet's black boxes Posted: 22 May 2016 01:43 PM PDT  CAIRO (AP) — Egypt sent a submarine Sunday to join the hunt for the flight recorders from the EgyptAir jetliner that crashed in the Mediterranean and killed all 66 people aboard, while hundreds of Coptic Christian mourners filled a church in Cairo to pray for their relatives among the dead.
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| Factbox: Greece legislates bailout reforms to get loans, debt relief Posted: 22 May 2016 01:39 PM PDT Greek lawmakers approved on Sunday a bill which increases taxes, sets up a new privatization fund and frees up the sale of bank non-performing loans to help unlock fresh bailout funds and debt relief. TAX Indirect tax measures aimed at raising 1.8 billion euros or 1 percent of GDP up to 2018 - Increases value added tax to 24 from 23 percent and puts a levy on beer from June. - Extends the unpopular real estate tax ENFIA. |
| Swedes' long journey to their final resting place Posted: 22 May 2016 01:30 PM PDT  Lotte Moller, a culture critic and author who wrote a book about Swedish funerals, gets charged up every time she thinks about the fact that Swedes take almost a month to lay their dearly departed to rest. Despite authorities' efforts to get Swedes to say their final farewells faster, the dead continue to linger in the morgue. Recent statistics published by the Swedish Association of Funeral Directors show that Swedes wait 20 days on average before burying their dead, which the association claims is a world record.
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| Vardy atones for Kane miss as England edge Turkey Posted: 22 May 2016 01:27 PM PDT  Jamie Vardy spared Harry Kane's blushes with a late winner as England edged Turkey 2-1 in their first Euro 2016 warm-up match at Manchester's Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Kane opened the scoring in the third minute, but then clipped the post with a 72nd-minute penalty, won by Vardy, after Hakan Calhanoglu had equalised to score Turkey's first goal against England in the teams' 11th meeting.
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| France has reserves to cope with oil refinery blockades, PM says Posted: 22 May 2016 01:24 PM PDT  Prime Minister Manuel Valls said on Sunday France had enough fuel reserves to tackle shortages at hundreds of gas stations caused by workers blocking oil refineries and depots in protest against reforms to labor laws. France has been hit by a wave of strikes over the past week aimed at pressuring the socialist government of President Francois Hollande to withdraw labor reforms that unions consider unfavorable to workers. One out of five gas stations in the country were facing fuel shortages, Transport Minister Alain Vidalies told France 2 television.
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| Protest vote puts far-right party in Cyprus parliament Posted: 22 May 2016 01:18 PM PDT  NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Far-right ELAM and two other small parties won seats in Cyprus' parliament for the first time during elections Sunday, marked by the second-lowest voter turnout and biggest shift among swing voters in Cypriot election history.
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| Nigerian union members call off strike over petrol price rises Posted: 22 May 2016 01:10 PM PDT  Nigerian union members on Sunday called off a national strike over a 67-percent hike in petrol prices and said they would resume talks with the government. Elements of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) walked out of negotiations last week and ordered the stoppage, despite a court injunction and the threat of police sanction. The trade unionists were unhappy at a government decision to raise petrol from 86.50 naira ($0.43, 0.38 euros) to 145 naira per litre.
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| Top Asian News 8:06 p.m. GMT Posted: 22 May 2016 01:06 PM PDT KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The killing of Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Akhtar Mansour in a U.S. drone strike was greeted Sunday by Kabul's political leadership as a game-changer in efforts to end the long insurgent war plaguing Afghanistan. In a rare show of unity, President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah both welcomed the news of Mansour's death as the removal of a man who unleashed violence against innocent civilians in Afghanistan and was widely regarded as an obstacle to peace within the militant group. Mansour, believed to be in his 50s, was killed when a U.S. drone fired on his vehicle in the southwestern Pakistan province of Baluchistan, although there were conflicting accounts whether the airstrike occurred Friday or Saturday. |
| Afghan leaders see Taliban leader's death as hopeful sign Posted: 22 May 2016 01:04 PM PDT  KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A senior commander with the Afghan Taliban says the militant group's leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour has been killed in a U.S. drone strike.
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