Yahoo! News: World News

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• Major powers agree to plan for 'cessation of hostilities' in Syria
• South Korea cuts off power, water into Kaesong zone in North Korea
• Russia boosts ties with Iraq in challenge to U.S. influence
• No plans at this time for joint U.S.-India navy patrols: State Dept.
• Saudi warns U.N., aid workers to leave rebel-held areas in Yemen
• Drug cartel battle kills 52 in northeastern Mexican prison
• Donald Young wins second-round match in Memphis Open
• The Latest: Baldwin: Clinton should 'be Hillary,' despite NH
• Diplomats aim for temporary Syria truce in a week
• Irish leaders hold 1st TV debate ahead of Feb. 26 election
• Justin Rose has a day to remember in Pebble debut
• CIA director says IS group has used, can make chem weapons
• Syrian opposition says must see peace plan in action before political talks
• Nigerian suicide bomber gets cold feet, refuses to kill
• Russia's Lavrov: Cessation of Syria hostilities 'difficult'
• Top Asian News 12:28 a.m. GMT
• Kerry says 'cessation of hostilities' in Syria agreed
• The Latest: Diplomats agree to Syria cease-fire in a week
• Germany says time will tell if Syria deal successful
• Hazlewood, Siddle spoil McCullum celebrations
• Colombia lawmakers to meet over FARC disarmament zones
• New Zealand 84-5 at lunch on day 1, 1st test vs. Australia
• Arsenal and Chivas to play July exhibition in Los Angeles
• At least 49 dead in Mexico prison riot
• Major powers agree on plan to break Syria deadlock
• Clinton seeks rebound against Sanders at debate and beyond
• Kenya under investigation for breaching anti-doping code
• Saudi Arabia asks UN to move aid workers in Yemen
• Yanni continues to embrace the unknown with new music, tour
• Italy urged Egypt for help hours after student disappeared
• Sevilla to face Barcelona in Copa del Rey final
• Obama says confident in legal footing after Supreme Court carbon decision
• Russian patriarch in Cuba before pope meeting
• Residents in Syria's Aleppo fear blockade as regime advances
• Leaders locked in Syria talks to rescue peace process
• Congress gives final OK to trade bill
• Berlin Film Festival jury questioned over diversity
• Century-old trees on Ohio historical site felled by thieves

Major powers agree to plan for 'cessation of hostilities' in Syria Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:45 PM PST By John Irish and Warren Strobel MUNICH (Reuters) - Major powers agreed on Friday to implement a cessation of hostilities in Syria and to expand delivery of humanitarian aid to people caught up in the conflict, officials said. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, speaking to reporters after a meeting in Munich that included Russia and more than a dozen other countries, said the target for implementing the nationwide cessation of fighting was a week's time.

South Korea cuts off power, water into Kaesong zone in North Korea Posted: 11 Feb 2016 02:46 PM PST South Korea has cut off the supply of power and water into the Kaesong industrial zone run jointly with North Korea, it said on Friday, hours after the North kicked out the South's workers and froze the assets of companies operating there. South Korea said on Wednesday that it was suspending the operation of the industrial zone as punishment for the North's rocket launch on Sunday and last month's nuclear test. The North called the move "a declaration of war." The 280 South Koreans who had remained in Kaesong rushed to vacate the industrial park on Thursday evening, completing the pullout at 11:05 p.m. (1405 GMT), said the South's Unification Ministry, which handles ties with the North.

Russia boosts ties with Iraq in challenge to U.S. influence Posted: 11 Feb 2016 11:11 AM PST By Saif Hameed BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Russia is ready to sell civil airliners to Iraq and keep providing it with military aid to fight Islamic State, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Thursday, accompanied on a trip to Baghdad by the biggest Russian delegation in years. The mission by nearly 100 government and business officials was part of a drive by Moscow to strengthen commercial and security ties with Iraq, potentially eroding U.S. influence in one of the world's most critical regions. Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari said discussions had revolved around providing military assistance to defeat Islamic State militants, also known as Daesh, who seized a third of Iraq in 2014 and want to redraw the map of the Middle East.

No plans at this time for joint U.S.-India navy patrols: State Dept. Posted: 11 Feb 2016 02:39 PM PST There are currently no plans for joint naval patrols by the United States and India, the U.S. State Department said on Thursday. Reuters reported on Wednesday that the United States and India had held talks about conducting joint naval patrols, quoting a U.S. defense official saying they could include the disputed South China Sea, a move that would likely anger China, which claims most of the waterway. "The United States and India do have a shared vision of peace, stability and prosperity in Asia," State Department spokesman Mark Toner told a daily briefing.

Saudi warns U.N., aid workers to leave rebel-held areas in Yemen Posted: 11 Feb 2016 12:09 PM PST Saudi Arabia, which is leading air strikes against rebels in neighboring Yemen, has warned the United Nations and international aid groups to protect staff by removing them from areas held by Yemen's Houthi rebels, a letter seen by Reuters on Thursday said. It was not immediately clear why Saudi Arabia issued the warning and how many aid groups aside from the United Nations, received the note. The Saudi U.N. mission was not immediately available for comment.

Drug cartel battle kills 52 in northeastern Mexican prison Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:18 PM PST By Gabriela Lopez MONTERREY, Mexico (Reuters) - A battle between the feared Zetas drug cartel and rivals at a prison left 52 people dead in the northeastern Mexican city of Monterrey, authorities said on Thursday, days ahead of a planned visit by Pope Francis to another jail in Mexico's far north. Fighting broke out before midnight in two areas of the Topo Chico prison between supporters of a gang leader known as "Zeta 27" and another group, Nuevo Leon state Governor Jaime Rodriguez said. "Topo Chico is a...very old prison.

Donald Young wins second-round match in Memphis Open Posted: 11 Feb 2016 05:01 PM PST MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Third-seeded Donald Young beat Marcel Granollers 6-1, 7-6 (2) in the second round of the Memphis Open on Thursday.

The Latest: Baldwin: Clinton should 'be Hillary,' despite NH Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:53 PM PST MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Latest from the 2016 campaign trail (all times local):

Diplomats aim for temporary Syria truce in a week Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:50 PM PST MUNICH (AP) — Diplomats trying to secure a ceasefire for the civil war in Syria fell short in organizing an immediate truce but agreed to try to work out details and implement a temporary "cessation of hostilities" in the coming week.

Irish leaders hold 1st TV debate ahead of Feb. 26 election Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:41 PM PST DUBLIN (AP) — The leaders of Ireland's four major parties have traded blows in the first live debate of the country's Feb. 26 election campaign.

Justin Rose has a day to remember in Pebble debut Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:40 PM PST PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Justin Rose, a U.S. Open champion and the No. 7 player in the world, shot a 6-under 66 his first time playing Spyglass Hill and spent a gorgeous day listening to the fans call out his name. Except they weren't calling for him, and he knew it.

CIA director says IS group has used, can make chem weapons Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:39 PM PST CIA director John Brennan has said that Islamic State fighters have used chemical weapons and have the capability to make small quantities of chlorine and mustard gas, CBS News reported Thursday. "We have a number of instances where ISIL has used chemical munitions on the battlefield," Brennan told CBS News, which released excerpts of an interview to air in full on the "60 Minutes" news program on Sunday. The network added that he told "60 Minutes" the CIA believes that the IS group has the ability to make small amounts of mustard or chlorine gas for weapons.

Syrian opposition says must see peace plan in action before political talks Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:36 PM PST MUNICH (Reuters) - Syria's main opposition group welcomed a plan agreed by major powers including Russia on Thursday to reach a truce in the war-torn country within a week and facilitate humanitarian aid reaching besieged Syrians, Salim al-Muslat told reporters. He cautioned, however, that the agreement must have shown effects before his group would join political talks with government representatives in Switzerland. "If we see action and implementation, we will see you very soon in Geneva," al-Muslat said. (Reporting By Shadia Nasralla; Editing by Sandra Maler)

Nigerian suicide bomber gets cold feet, refuses to kill Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:36 PM PST ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Strapped with a booby-trapped vest and sent by the extremist Boko Haram group to kill as many people as possible, the young teenage girl tore off the explosives and fled as soon as she was out of sight of her handlers.

Russia's Lavrov: Cessation of Syria hostilities 'difficult' Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:33 PM PST MUNICH (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday following an international meeting on the Syria crisis that peace talks should resume in Geneva as soon as possible, and that all opposition groups should participate. Speaking after marathon talks that included more than a dozen other countries, Lavrov also said that halting hostilities in Syria would be a difficult task. (Reporting by Denis Dyomkin; Writinb by Eric Walsh)

Top Asian News 12:28 a.m. GMT Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:28 PM PST PAJU, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Thursday ordered a military takeover of a factory park that had been the last major symbol of cooperation with South Korea, calling Seoul's earlier suspension of operations at the jointly run facility as punishment for the North's recent rocket launch a "dangerous declaration of war." North Korea said it was responding to Seoul's shutdown order by immediately deporting the hundreds of South Koreans who work at the complex just across the world's most heavily armed border in the city of Kaesong, pulling out the tens of thousands of North Korean employees and freezing all South Korean assets. The North also said it was shutting down two crucial cross-border communication hotlines.

Kerry says 'cessation of hostilities' in Syria agreed Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:18 PM PST U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Friday that an international meeting on the Syria crisis had agreed to implement a "cessation of hostilities" in Syria and to immediately expand delivery of humanitarian aid. Kerry, speaking after marathon talks that included Russia and more than a dozen other countries, said that all nations involved in the talks agreed that Syrian peace negotiations should resume in Geneva as soon as possible. Kerry, flanked by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura, acknowledged that the Munich meeting produced commitments on paper only.

The Latest: Diplomats agree to Syria cease-fire in a week Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:12 PM PST BEIRUT (AP) — The Latest developments on the war in Syria, the refugee crisis and security talks in Munich, Germany. (all times local):

Germany says time will tell if Syria deal successful Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:08 PM PST MUNICH (Reuters) - Germany's foreign minister said on Friday a deal between major powers to reduce violence in Syria could only be judged if it was successful in the coming days. "We will only be able to see whether this was a breakthrough in a few days," Frank-Walter Steinmeier told reporters. (Reporting By Shadia Nasralla; Editing by Sandra Maler)

Hazlewood, Siddle spoil McCullum celebrations Posted: 11 Feb 2016 04:01 PM PST Josh Hazlewood and Peter Siddle led an Australian rout after they won a crucial toss and reduced New Zealand to 84-5 at lunch on the opening day of the first Test in Wellington on Friday. For New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum it was a grim way to mark his 100th Test. Australian captain Steve Smith had no hesitation in deciding to bowl on a green-tinged wicket and was duly rewarded as his bowlers found a good length and utilised the swing and seam movement.

Colombia lawmakers to meet over FARC disarmament zones Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:54 PM PST Colombian lawmakers will meet beginning Tuesday to create zones where FARC rebels can turn over their arms, in anticipation of a peace deal that would end a half-century of conflict, sources said. President Juan Manuel Santos has ordered Congress to convene in special sessions lasting from February 16 to March 16 as he closes in on a deal with FARC rebels, congressional sources told AFP on Thursday. Santos issued a presidential decree summoning lawmakers in both legislative houses "to start discussions on a bill to allow the government to designate territorial zones where the FARC may assemble and lay down their arms after the agreements are signed," one congressional source said.

New Zealand 84-5 at lunch on day 1, 1st test vs. Australia Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:51 PM PST WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Celebrations of Brendon McCullum's 100th consecutive test were put on hold as he fell for a duck and New Zealand crashed to 84-5 at lunch Friday on the first day of the first test against Australia.

Arsenal and Chivas to play July exhibition in Los Angeles Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:50 PM PST CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Arsenal and Chivas will play an exhibition match in the Los Angeles area on July 31 as part of the English Premier League club's U.S. tour.

At least 49 dead in Mexico prison riot Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:50 PM PST At least 49 inmates were killed in a Mexican prison brawl Thursday as rival groups fought with bats, sticks and blades and ignited a fire in the overcrowded penitentiary, authorities said. Twelve others were injured during the "pitched battle" that lasted 30 to 40 minutes at the Topo Chico prison in the northern industrial city of Monterrey, said Nuevo Leon state Governor Jaime Rodriguez. The fight erupted following a dispute over control of the prison between two rival members of the Zetas drug cartel, Rodriguez said.

Major powers agree on plan to break Syria deadlock Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:50 PM PST MUNICH (Reuters) - Major powers agreed on Friday to a plan aimed at breaking the deadlock in Syria by introducing a gradual cessation of hostilities and quick humanitarian aid with a view to creating conditions to revive peace talks, a diplomatic source said. "We did not get a deal on the immediate end of Russian bombings, but we have a commitment to a process that if it works would change the situation," a Western diplomatic source said. (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Sandra Maler)

Clinton seeks rebound against Sanders at debate and beyond Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:28 PM PST Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders clash on the national stage Thursday as they woo minority voters, while Republican Jeb Bush is enlisting his presidential brother as he grasps for a campaign boost. With Clinton nursing her wounds after receiving a drubbing in this week's New Hampshire primary, the former secretary of state is all too happy to turn west and south to more diverse territory in Nevada and South Carolina, states where Hispanics and African-Americans play key roles in the nomination battle.

Kenya under investigation for breaching anti-doping code Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:18 PM PST Kenya is being investigated for breaching the world anti-doping code, WADA said Thursday, and could be declared non-compliant in a matter of weeks.

Saudi Arabia asks UN to move aid workers in Yemen Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:17 PM PST Saudi Arabia has asked the United Nations to move aid workers away from rebel-held areas in Yemen as the Riyadh-led coalition presses on with air strikes against insurgents, according to a letter seen by AFP Thursday. The United Nations flatly rejected the request and reminded Saudi Arabia of its obligations to allow humanitarian access in Yemen, where coalition warplanes have been pounding Shiite Huthi rebels for nearly a year.

Yanni continues to embrace the unknown with new music, tour Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:15 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — Yanni, who has performed across the globe and whose sound is arguably its own genre of music, says his method is simple: He embraces the unknown.

Italy urged Egypt for help hours after student disappeared Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:14 PM PST CAIRO (AP) — Italian officials contacted Egyptian authorities hours after a student later found tortured to death disappeared in central Cairo last month, according to an official summary of early Italian efforts to locate him.

Sevilla to face Barcelona in Copa del Rey final Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:11 PM PST MADRID (AP) — Sevilla will play Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final after drawing 2-2 with Celta Vigo on Thursday, advancing 6-2 on aggregate.

Obama says confident in legal footing after Supreme Court carbon decision Posted: 11 Feb 2016 03:03 PM PST By Jeff Mason and Valerie Volcovici ATHERTON, Calif./WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday called the Supreme Court's decision to delay implementation of his administration's Clean Power Plan "unusual" and expressed confidence that the White House would prevail. In Washington, Gina McCarthy, Obama's head of the Environmental Protection Agency, told state energy and environmental regulators that the ruling "is not going to slow us down." The Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered a blow to the plan, the centerpiece of Obama's climate change policy and backbone of his administration's commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions pledged last year in Paris.

Russian patriarch in Cuba before pope meeting Posted: 11 Feb 2016 02:58 PM PST Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill arrived on Thursday in Cuba, where he will sit down with Pope Francis in the first meeting of its kind since the historic 11th-century church schism. The 69-year-old Kirill, in black robes and white headdress, was greeted by Cuba's communist President Raul Castro at Havana airport, where the Russian church leader was due to meet with Francis on Friday. It is Kirill's fourth visit to Russia's Cold War Latin American ally Cuba, but his first as patriarch, overall head of the powerful Russian Orthodox church.

Residents in Syria's Aleppo fear blockade as regime advances Posted: 11 Feb 2016 02:57 PM PST Shop shelves are bare and prices have doubled in Syria's Aleppo as the threat of a blockade looms after advancing regime forces cut off the second city's main supply route last week. Some 300,000 people are at risk of being placed under siege in Aleppo, a city that has been divided since 2012, with government forces controlling the west and rebels the east. Government troops cut off the eastern part's main lifeline to the Turkish border in a onslaught backed by Russian air strikes they launched this month against rebels in northern Aleppo province.

Leaders locked in Syria talks to rescue peace process Posted: 11 Feb 2016 02:55 PM PST Foreign ministers were locked in late-night talks in Munich on Thursday, seeking a way to revive a floundering Syrian peace process as Russia warned of the possibility of a "new world war". An onslaught on the key rebel stronghold of Aleppo by Syrian troops, backed by Russian bombers and Iranian fighters, derailed peace talks earlier this month and has triggered an exodus of over 50,000 refugees. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had "made propositions for a ceasefire that are quite specific" as he sat down for talks with US counterpart John Kerry.

Congress gives final OK to trade bill Posted: 11 Feb 2016 02:52 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — A wide-ranging bill that revamps U.S. trade laws won final congressional approval Thursday. It includes a provision that would reinforce the government's ability to head off China and other countries from manipulating their currencies to make their exports more affordable.

Berlin Film Festival jury questioned over diversity Posted: 11 Feb 2016 02:50 PM PST BERLIN (AP) — The Berlin International Film Festival became embroiled Thursday in the debate about diversity in the movie industry, with jury president Meryl Streep dismissing questions about the all-white panel by telling reporters that "we're all Africans, really."

Century-old trees on Ohio historical site felled by thieves Posted: 11 Feb 2016 02:44 PM PST By Kim Palmer CLEVELAND (Reuters) - Ten hundred-year-old black walnut trees at a historical site in Barberton, Ohio, were cut down this week by would-be thieves apparently hoping to cash in on high prices for the precious lumber. The 50-foot-high (15-meter-high) trees graced the former estate of city founder, Ohio Columbus (O.C.) Barber, who made his fortune in matches and was known as America's Match King. Barberton Historical Society President Steve Kelleher said the illegal loggers, led by a man with a long white beard, cut down the trees in broad daylight on Monday.

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