Yahoo! News: World News

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• In parting shot at Israel, Kerry warns Middle East peace in jeopardy
• U.S. set to announce response to Russian election hacking: sources
• Israel's attorney-general orders criminal probe against PM Netanyahu: TV
• Japan's defense minister visits Yasukuni shrine after Pearl Harbor trip
• Through reclusive Wa, China's reach extends into Suu Kyi's Myanmar
• Islamic State supporters call for more holiday attacks in Europe
• Trump, Obama disputes spill into the open
• Japan defence minister visits Yasukuni war shrine: media
• Joel Eriksson-Ek scores twice, Sweden beats Switzerland 4-2
• Colombia Congress approves amnesty for thousands of FARC rebels
• Syrian war 'cancer on a global scale': incoming UN chief
• Kerry warns Israel settlements threaten democracy
• Trump takes credit for 8,000 jobs from Japanese mogul
• Five arrested for trespassing at Dakota pipeline protest site
• EU voters upset but say no inclination to follow Brexit: poll
• Obama designates monuments, protects federal land in Utah, Nevada
• Argentine activist sentenced to probation, remains in jail
• Bankrupt Hanjin selling Port of Seattle terminal operations
• Blackhawks extend Panarin for $12 million over 2 years
• Congo opposition leader sentenced to five years in prison
• In parting shot, Kerry tears into Israel over settlements
• South Korea cuts 2017 growth forecast to 2.6 percent
• New UN chief wants to meet Trump 'as soon as possible'
• Haiti's political uncertainty stunts economic growth
• Senators ask Trump EPA chief pick to disclose energy industry ties
• Tottenham recovers to beat 10-man Southampton 4-1 in EPL
• Burkina Faso replaces army chief after series of attacks
• The Latest: Israeli envoy says UN vote an act against Israel
• How major US stock market indexes fared on Wednesday
• Cleared of violating Iran sanctions, man hopes for pardon
• Bangladesh wins toss, bowls in 2nd ODI vs. New Zealand
• Colombia Congress approves amnesty for thousands of FARC rebels
• 'Santa Rally' gifts record close to London stocks
• Herd of elk dies at Oregon reservoir after falling through ice
• US stock indexes fall as an afternoon slide accelerates
• Mexico's Interjet grounds 11 Russian-made planes over safety

In parting shot at Israel, Kerry warns Middle East peace in jeopardy Posted: 28 Dec 2016 02:02 PM PST By Lesley Wroughton and Yeganeh Torbati WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday said Israel's building of settlements on occupied land was jeopardizing Middle East peace, voicing unusually frank frustration with America's longtime ally weeks before he is due to leave office. In a swiftly issued statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Kerry of bias. In a 70-minute speech, Kerry said Israel "will never have true peace" with the Arab world if it does not reach an accord based on Israelis and Palestinians living in their own states.

U.S. set to announce response to Russian election hacking: sources Posted: 28 Dec 2016 02:06 PM PST By Dustin Volz and Joel Schectman WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration plans to announce on Thursday a series of retaliatory measures against Russia for hacking into U.S. political institutions and individuals and leaking information in an effort to help President-elect Donald Trump and other Republican candidates, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday. Both officials declined to specify what actions President Barack Obama has approved, but said targeted economic sanctions, indictments, leaking information to embarrass Russian officials or oligarchs, and restrictions on Russian diplomats in the United States are among steps that have been discussed. One example of an excessive step might be interfering with Russian internet messaging.

Israel's attorney-general orders criminal probe against PM Netanyahu: TV Posted: 28 Dec 2016 01:33 PM PST Israel's attorney-general has ordered police to open a criminal investigation in two unspecified matters involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Channel 10 television said on Wednesday. There was no immediate response from Netanyahu's office to a Reuters query on the report. Netanyahu has in the past denied wrongdoing in the purchase of submarines from Germany, where media have reported a potential conflict of interest involving his lawyer.

Japan's defense minister visits Yasukuni shrine after Pearl Harbor trip Posted: 28 Dec 2016 05:02 PM PST Japan's defense minister visited a controversial shrine to Japan's war dead on Thursday, just after accompanying Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on a historic visit to Pearl Harbor, where Japan's attack brought the United States into World War Two. Television footage showed Inada visiting Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japanese who lost their lives in the country's wars, including several leaders executed for war crimes. Visits to the shrine by prominent Japanese officials anger neighbors China and South Korea, which consider Yasukuni a symbol of Japan's militarism and a reminder of its wartime atrocities.

Through reclusive Wa, China's reach extends into Suu Kyi's Myanmar Posted: 28 Dec 2016 03:02 PM PST By Antoni Slodkowski and Yimou Lee PANGSAN, Myanmar (Reuters) - China is extending its sway over an autonomous enclave run by Myanmar's most powerful ethnic armed group, sources in the region told Reuters, bolstering Beijing's role in the peace process that is the signature policy of Aung San Suu Kyi. The "foreign policy" of the self-proclaimed Wa State is closely monitored by Beijing, senior officials in the administration run by the 30,000-strong United Wa State Army (UWSA) and its political wing said, with contact with Western governments, businesses or aid groups deemed particularly sensitive. Official known to Myanmar as "Special Region 2", the remote territory is the size of Belgium and home to 600,000 people.

Islamic State supporters call for more holiday attacks in Europe Posted: 28 Dec 2016 02:20 PM PST A pro-Islamic State group on Wednesday urged supporters of the jihadists to carry out attacks on targets such as markets and hospitals in Europe over the Christmas holiday period and urged Muslims to stay away from Christian celebrations. The threat came as European authorities have stepped up security following an attack claimed by Islamic State in which a truck ploughed into crowds in a Berlin Christmas market and killed 12 people this month. The Nashir Media Foundation, which backs Islamic State, posted its message online, accompanied by images of fighters with guns and knives, Santa Claus, reindeer and a Christmas tree, according to the according to the U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors militant groups online.

Trump, Obama disputes spill into the open Posted: 28 Dec 2016 05:11 PM PST US President-elect Donald Trump fueled a simmering dispute with Barack Obama on Wednesday, accusing him of derailing a smooth transition with "inflammatory" remarks, before appearing to row back. Ever since the November 8 election, Trump and Obama have tried to bury political differences in favor of a united public front that would smooth the transfer of power on January 20.

Japan defence minister visits Yasukuni war shrine: media Posted: 28 Dec 2016 04:49 PM PST Japan's defence minister went to a controversial war shrine in Tokyo Thursday, media reports said, the day after accompanying Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on a highly symbolic visit to Pearl Harbor. The shrine honours millions of mostly Japanese war dead and has been criticised by countries such as China and South Korea which suffered under Japan's colonialism and aggression in the first half of the 20th century. Tomomi Inada, Abe's hawkish new defence chief, visited Yasukuni for the first time since taking the key cabinet post in August, according to national broadcaster NHK, the Asahi Shimbun and Jiji Press.

Joel Eriksson-Ek scores twice, Sweden beats Switzerland 4-2 Posted: 28 Dec 2016 04:48 PM PST MONTREAL (AP) — Minnesota Wild prospect Joel Eriksson-Ek broke a tie with 5:08 left with his second goal of the game and Sweden beat Switzerland 4-2 on Wednesday night in the world junior hockey championship.

Colombia Congress approves amnesty for thousands of FARC rebels Posted: 28 Dec 2016 04:46 PM PST Colombia's Congress on Wednesday approved an amnesty law to protect thousands of demobilizing Marxist guerrilla fighters from prosecution for minor crimes committed during the country's 52-year war. The law, a key part of a peace deal signed last month between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, will not include fighters who have committed war crimes or human rights violations. It is the first in a series of laws tied to the deal that will be sped through congress in hopes of reassuring rebels who are beginning to move to special demobilization zones.

Syrian war 'cancer on a global scale': incoming UN chief Posted: 28 Dec 2016 04:35 PM PST The Syrian conflict "has become a cancer on a global scale", incoming UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said, while hoping Washington and Moscow overcome their differences to help end the crisis. The conflict began in 2011 as an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad but quickly morphed into a civil war after the regime unleashed a brutal crackdown against dissent. It has since become a complex, multi-front conflict, drawing in global powers as well as militias and jihadists.

Kerry warns Israel settlements threaten democracy Posted: 28 Dec 2016 04:21 PM PST In a stern parting shot, US Secretary of State John Kerry warned Israel on Wednesday that building settlements on Palestinian land threatens the country's very future as a democracy. With President-elect Donald Trump taking office on January 20, and already urging Israel to "stand strong" in the face of international pressure, it was not clear what impact Kerry hopes to have on the peace process.

Trump takes credit for 8,000 jobs from Japanese mogul Posted: 28 Dec 2016 04:17 PM PST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Donald Trump on Wednesday touted plans by a Japanese mogul to bring 8,000 jobs to the United States.

Five arrested for trespassing at Dakota pipeline protest site Posted: 28 Dec 2016 04:13 PM PST (Reuters) - Protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline flared briefly for the first time since the federal government ruled against the project last month, law enforcement said on Wednesday, as five demonstrators were arrested and less-than-lethal rounds were fired by authorities. The construction site of the $3.8 billion project had been the scene of fierce demonstrations by Native Americans and environmentalists for months. The Standing Rock Sioux, whose land is adjacent to the pipeline being built, asked protesters to disperse.

EU voters upset but say no inclination to follow Brexit: poll Posted: 28 Dec 2016 04:07 PM PST European Union voters in France, Germany, Italy and Greece think their countries are heading in the wrong direction but there is not yet any Europe-wide inclination to follow Britain toward exiting the bloc, according to a poll published on Thursday. Britain's shock June 23 Brexit vote, which was praised at the time by then U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump as a "miracle", has raised questions about the future of post-World War Two attempts at European integration. After Brexit and Trump's victory in the United States, investors are watching for any sign that popular discontent is on the rise ahead of 2017 elections in France and Germany, and a likely vote in Italy.

Obama designates monuments, protects federal land in Utah, Nevada Posted: 28 Dec 2016 03:54 PM PST By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Wednesday designated over 1.6 million acres of land in Utah and Nevada as national monuments, protecting two areas rich in Native American artifacts from mining, oil and gas drilling in one of his final moves to protect the environment. "Today's actions will help protect this cultural legacy and will ensure that future generations are able to enjoy and appreciate these scenic and historic landscapes," Obama said in a statement. Obama used the 1906 Antiquities Act to protect 1.35 million acres of federal land at Bears Ears in Utah and 300,000 acres at Gold Butte outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Argentine activist sentenced to probation, remains in jail Posted: 28 Dec 2016 03:38 PM PST Argentine social activist Milagro Sala was sentenced to three years of probation on Wednesday on charges of inciting violence, though she will remain jailed on other charges in a case that has drawn scrutiny from international human rights groups. Sala, leader of the Tupac Amaru social welfare group in the northern Jujuy province, was sentenced to three years probation on charges she encouraged attendees at a protest she had organized in 2009 to attack then-Senator Gerardo Morales, currently Jujuy's governor. Sala is expected to appeal the verdict.

Bankrupt Hanjin selling Port of Seattle terminal operations Posted: 28 Dec 2016 03:36 PM PST SEATTLE (AP) — Bankrupt shipper Hanjin is selling its Port of Seattle terminal operations to one of the world's largest cargo firms.

Blackhawks extend Panarin for $12 million over 2 years Posted: 28 Dec 2016 03:33 PM PST Artemi Panarin and the Chicago Blackhawks agreed to terms Wednesday on a $12 million, two-year contract extension.

Congo opposition leader sentenced to five years in prison Posted: 28 Dec 2016 03:17 PM PST A court in Democratic Republic of Congo sentenced a political opposition leader to five years in prison on Wednesday, a human rights advocate said, a judgment that risks imperiling multi-party talks meant to organize a presidential election next year. The court found Franck Diongo, president of the opposition MLP party, guilty of illegally detaining three soldiers during violent protests last week in the capital Kinshasa that killed dozens, said Georges Kapiamba, a lawyer and human rights advocate who attended the trial. The verdict comes as representatives of President Joseph Kabila's ruling coalition and the country's main opposition bloc say they are near an accord under which Kabila would step down by the end of 2017 after an election to choose his successor.

In parting shot, Kerry tears into Israel over settlements Posted: 28 Dec 2016 03:07 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State John Kerry tore into Israel on Wednesday for settlement-building, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of dragging Israel away from democracy and forcefully rejecting the notion that America had abandoned Israel with a controversial U.N. vote. Netanyahu accused the Obama administration of a biased bid to blame Israel for failure to reach a peace deal.

South Korea cuts 2017 growth forecast to 2.6 percent Posted: 28 Dec 2016 03:01 PM PST SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea has revised down its growth outlook for 2017 citing increased uncertainties in the United States and a sagging recovery in domestic consumption.

New UN chief wants to meet Trump 'as soon as possible' Posted: 28 Dec 2016 02:57 PM PST Incoming UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he wants to meet Donald Trump "as soon as possible" and is "determined to establish a constructive dialogue with the new US administration". Guterres, who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of last month, said he hoped for a similar outcome with the American President-elect. The former Portuguese prime minister takes over from Ban Ki-moon on January 1 amid ongoing bloodshed in Syria and questions over the US role in the world under a Trump presidency.

Haiti's political uncertainty stunts economic growth Posted: 28 Dec 2016 02:39 PM PST Port-au-Prince (AFP) - Haiti's economy expanded by only 1.4 percent this year, according to official figures released Wednesday, as the impoverished country's electoral crisis is discouraging investment, with prospects for 2017 even more dismal. The country has been wracked by political instability since results of last year's first round presidential election were scrapped, which forced former president Michel Martelly to step down in February without a successor in place. Parliament elected then-Senate president Jocelerme Privert to serve as the country's provisional president for a three-month term.

Senators ask Trump EPA chief pick to disclose energy industry ties Posted: 28 Dec 2016 02:31 PM PST By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats on the U.S. Senate's environment panel on Wednesday asked President-elect Donald Trump's choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose his ties to the energy industry ahead of his confirmation hearing early next year. The six senators sent a letter to Scott Pruitt, who as Oklahoma Attorney General led several lawsuits against the Obama administration's EPA to block its environmental rules. "What that conduct says about your ability to lead EPA in a manner that is not beholden to special or secret interests is a subject that we expect will receive a full airing during your confirmation hearing," the senators wrote in the letter.

Tottenham recovers to beat 10-man Southampton 4-1 in EPL Posted: 28 Dec 2016 02:29 PM PST SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) — Tottenham recovered from conceding a goal after 69 seconds to beat 10-man Southampton 4-1 in the English Premier League on Wednesday, keeping the team in touch with its rivals for Champions League qualification.

Burkina Faso replaces army chief after series of attacks Posted: 28 Dec 2016 02:26 PM PST Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kabore replaced army chief of staff Pingrenoma Zagre on Wednesday, the government said in a statement, after a string of deadly militant attacks, including against the security forces. The statement did not provide a reason for Zagre's replacement by Sadou Oumarou, formerly the inspector general of the armed forces, but military sources said the decision was prompted by the incidents. Attacks in Burkina Faso were relatively rare before an attack by al Qaeda-linked fighters on a hotel in the capital, Ouagadougou, that killed 29 people in January.

The Latest: Israeli envoy says UN vote an act against Israel Posted: 28 Dec 2016 02:01 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on United States-Israeli relations (all times local):

How major US stock market indexes fared on Wednesday Posted: 28 Dec 2016 01:59 PM PST Stocks closed broadly lower Wednesday, more than wiping out the gains from a day earlier. Banks and basic materials companies led the way lower, and the losses accelerated as the day wore on. Trading was light ahead of the New Year's Day holiday.

Cleared of violating Iran sanctions, man hopes for pardon Posted: 28 Dec 2016 01:58 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — Plenty of inmates in American prisons have served long sentences before their convictions were reversed. Few have emerged from behind bars quite like Mahmoud Reza Banki.

Bangladesh wins toss, bowls in 2nd ODI vs. New Zealand Posted: 28 Dec 2016 01:57 PM PST NELSON, New Zealand (AP) — Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl Thursday in the second one-day international against New Zealand at Saxton Oval.

Colombia Congress approves amnesty for thousands of FARC rebels Posted: 28 Dec 2016 01:53 PM PST Colombia's Congress on Wednesday approved an amnesty law to protect thousands of demobilizing Marxist guerrilla fighters from prosecution for minor crimes committed during the country's 52-year war. The law, a key part of a peace deal signed last month between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, will not include fighters who have committed war crimes or human rights violations. It is the first in a series of laws tied to the deal that will be sped through congress in hopes of reassuring rebels who are beginning to move to special demobilization zones.

'Santa Rally' gifts record close to London stocks Posted: 28 Dec 2016 01:52 PM PST New York (AFP) - London stocks closed at a record high Wednesday on a "Santa rally" in subdued trading after a long Christmas holiday, but Wall Street retreated from record highs.

Herd of elk dies at Oregon reservoir after falling through ice Posted: 28 Dec 2016 01:50 PM PST A herd of elk died after falling through thin ice while crossing a reservoir in northeastern Oregon, a state wildlife official said on Wednesday. Forty-one elk were feeding in an area near the 58-mile-long (93-km-long) Brownlee Reservoir, a body of water formed by a dam on the Snake River, and ventured out across a sheet of ice possibly to take a drink of water as they moved to other feeding or bedding areas, said Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Phillip Perrine. "It was a very sad, tough situation," Perrine said by telephone, "The worst feeling." Elk are enormous but surprisingly graceful mammals who often venture down from higher elevations in search of food during the winter.

US stock indexes fall as an afternoon slide accelerates Posted: 28 Dec 2016 01:47 PM PST Banks led a broad slide in U.S. stocks Wednesday that more than wiped out gains from the day before.

Mexico's Interjet grounds 11 Russian-made planes over safety Posted: 28 Dec 2016 01:44 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — Air carrier Interjet has grounded half its 22 Russian-made Superjet100 planes after doing a mandatory safety inspection of the aircraft, Mexico's civil aviation agency said Wednesday.

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