Yahoo! News: World News

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• European cities ramp up security for New Year after Berlin attack
• Iraqi forces face fierce Islamic State combat in south Mosul
• Brazil says Greek ambassador murdered by wife's policeman lover
• U.S. embassy in Guatemala closes temporarily after threats
• Batting collapse limits Bangladesh to 236-9 in New Zealand ODI
• Man charged with wife's death in Tonga wants his cash back
• Top Asian News 1:35 a.m. GMT
• S. Koreans demand president's removal on New Year's Eve
• Bangladesh makes 236-9 in 3rd ODI vs. New Zealand
• No space for Hong Kong independence, China says
• UN Security Council to vote Saturday on Syria cease-fire
• Switzerland beats Denmark 5-4 in shootout in world juniors
• UN chief Ban Ki-moon bids colleagues, staff farewell
• Zenda, oldest lion in U.S., euthanized by Philadelphia Zoo
• Brazilian police: Greek ambassador killed by wife's lover
• Manchester United's Mourinho reveals Depay exile
• Obama's spat with Moscow is latest in long line
• China says it will shut down ivory trade by end of 2017
• Feds: Jury should hear UN bribe suspect being called 'boss'
• Panama sees no change in Taiwan, China ties despite Trump
• Brazil policeman confesses to killing Greek ambassador: police
• Polish plane makes emergency landing in Prague over threat
• U.S. scrambles to clear egg exports to bird flu-hit Korea
• Gopperth strikes down former club Newcastle as Wasps go top
• Merkel urges Germany to face down terror with cohesion, compassion
• Merkel says Islamist terrorism is biggest test for Germany
• Merkel tells Germans their country is stronger than terror
• Surge of Central Americans drive jump in border arrests
• Puerto Rico governor under fire for pardoning politicians
• Knighthoods for Murray and Farah in New Year's Honors List
• Victoria Beckham, Mark Rylance receive UK honours
• US says Islamic State chief alive, still leading
• Mark Rylance, Victoria Beckham on Queen's list for honors
• Philadelphia Zoo euthanizes lion thought to have been oldest in U.S.
• Column: Handing out the Newbys for best and worst in sports
• Senator McCain says Russia must pay price for hacking

European cities ramp up security for New Year after Berlin attack Posted: 30 Dec 2016 09:34 AM PST By Oliver Denzer and Geert De Clercq BERLIN/PARIS (Reuters) - European capitals tightened security on Friday ahead of New Year's celebrations, erecting concrete barriers in city centers and boosting police numbers after the Islamic State attack in Berlin last week that killed 12 people. In the German capital, police closed the Pariser Platz square in front of the Brandenburg Gate and prepared to deploy 1,700 extra officers, many along a party strip where armored cars will flank concrete barriers blocking off the area. "Every measure is being taken to prevent a possible attack," Berlin police spokesman Thomas Neuendorf told Reuters TV.

Iraqi forces face fierce Islamic State combat in south Mosul Posted: 30 Dec 2016 09:29 AM PST By Stephen Kalin NEAR MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi forces faced fierce resistance from Islamic State militants in southern Mosul on Friday, the second day of a renewed push to take back the city after fighting stalled for several weeks. An officer in the federal police forces, which joined the battle on Thursday, said there were heavy clashes in the southeastern Palestine district, but they had made progress in two other neighborhoods, disabling a number of car bombs. Iraqi forces in the east and north of the city were clearing areas they had recaptured on Thursday before advancing any further, officers said, and the army was trying to cut supply lines to the town of Tel Keyf, north of Mosul.

Brazil says Greek ambassador murdered by wife's policeman lover Posted: 30 Dec 2016 04:10 PM PST By Paulo Prada RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A Rio de Janeiro policeman confessed to murdering Greece's ambassador to Brazil in what investigators on Friday called a "cowardly act" carried out at the direction of the diplomat's Brazilian wife with whom the officer was romantically involved. Ambassador Kyriakos Amiridis, 59, was missing since Monday night. Officer Sergio Moreira, 29, confessed to police on Friday that he killed the ambassador late Monday night in the Rio de Janeiro home the Amiridises owned in Nova Iguaçu, a hardscrabble neighborhood in the city's sprawling, violent northern outskirts.

U.S. embassy in Guatemala closes temporarily after threats Posted: 30 Dec 2016 04:54 PM PST GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - The United States embassy in Guatemala closed early on Friday after it received threats, a representative said, without giving further details. The embassy said on its Facebook page that it closed at 11 a.m. local time (1700 GMT), earlier than planned, and will reopen on Jan. 3. "Everything is normal and nothing grave happened. We just take seriously the security of our workers and the people that go to the embassy," said an embassy representative, who declined to be named. (Reporting by Sofia Menchu; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

Batting collapse limits Bangladesh to 236-9 in New Zealand ODI Posted: 30 Dec 2016 05:44 PM PST Nelson (New Zealand) (AFP) - Bangladesh were hurt by another batting collapse as they posted 236-9 batting first in the third and final one-day international against New Zealand in Nelson on Saturday.

Man charged with wife's death in Tonga wants his cash back Posted: 30 Dec 2016 05:41 PM PST HONOLULU (AP) — A U.S. citizen detained in Honolulu and facing extradition to Tonga where he's accused of beating his wife to death has asked the U.S. government to return cash he had amassed from other countries including Canada and New Zealand.

Top Asian News 1:35 a.m. GMT Posted: 30 Dec 2016 05:35 PM PST MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Sixty people were injured at an Australian music festival in the crush of a crowd trying to leave a performance, police said Saturday. None of the injuries at the Falls Music and Arts Festival in Victoria state were life-threatening, but 19 people were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, Victoria police said in a statement. The incident began on Friday night when fans were trying to leave a performance by the Australian band DMA's. Several people at the front of the crowd then lost their footing and fell, police said. Paramedics assessed around 60 people hurt in the ensuing crush, Ambulance Victoria state health commander Paul Holman said.

S. Koreans demand president's removal on New Year's Eve Posted: 30 Dec 2016 05:34 PM PST SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Large crowds of South Koreans are expected to ring in the new year with demonstrations calling for the ouster of impeached President Park Geun-hye, who's determined to restore her powers through a court trial.

Bangladesh makes 236-9 in 3rd ODI vs. New Zealand Posted: 30 Dec 2016 05:32 PM PST NELSON, New Zealand (AP) — Scores on Saturday in the third one-day international between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Saxton Oval:

No space for Hong Kong independence, China says Posted: 30 Dec 2016 05:31 PM PST There is no space for Hong Kong independence in the "one country, two systems" agreement under which Beijing governs the former British colony, but there can be tolerance for differences in their systems, a senior Chinese official said. Chinese leaders are increasingly concerned about a fledgling independence movement in Hong Kong, which returned to mainland rule in 1997 with a promise of autonomy known as "one country, two systems", and recent protests in the city. The head of China's Hong Kong Macau Affairs Office, Wang Guangya, told pro-Beijing Hong Kong magazine The Bauhinia that "under 'one country, two systems' there is absolutely no space for 'Hong Kong independence'", in comments carried in the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily on Saturday.

UN Security Council to vote Saturday on Syria cease-fire Posted: 30 Dec 2016 05:28 PM PST UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council has scheduled a vote Saturday morning on a Russian resolution that would endorse the cease-fire agreement in Syria and reiterate support for a roadmap to peace that starts with a transitional government.

Switzerland beats Denmark 5-4 in shootout in world juniors Posted: 30 Dec 2016 05:07 PM PST MONTREAL (AP) — Marco Miranda scored the only shootout goal to give Switzerland a 5-4 victory over Denmark on Friday night in the world junior hockey championship.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon bids colleagues, staff farewell Posted: 30 Dec 2016 05:02 PM PST UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Ban Ki-moon joked to hundreds of diplomats and U.N. staff as he left United Nations headquarters Friday for the last time as secretary-general that he feels "like Cinderella — tomorrow at midnight, everything changes."

Zenda, oldest lion in U.S., euthanized by Philadelphia Zoo Posted: 30 Dec 2016 05:01 PM PST (Reuters) - The Philadelphia Zoo has euthanized a 25-year-old lioness believed to have been the oldest lion in the United States after the animal suffered an acute decline in mobility and behavior, the zoo said on Friday. Lioness Zenda, born at the Johannesburg Zoo in 1991, arrived in Philadelphia in 1993 and became a fan favorite over the years, the Philadelphia Zoo said in a statement. "This remarkable cat will be missed by staff and guests alike, particularly by the keepers who catered to her changing needs as she grew old," said Dr. Andy Baker, chief operating officer at the Philadelphia Zoo.

Brazilian police: Greek ambassador killed by wife's lover Posted: 30 Dec 2016 04:53 PM PST RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Police in Brazil believe that Greece's ambassador to the country was killed by his wife's lover under her orders in a house in the Rio area and have detained three suspects, authorities said Friday.

Manchester United's Mourinho reveals Depay exile Posted: 30 Dec 2016 04:49 PM PST Jose Mourinho admits he has dismissed Memphis Depay from his plans because of the Dutch winger's desire to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window. The 22-year-old, bought for £25 million ($30 million) from PSV Eindhoven by Louis van Gaal 18 months ago, has been one of the biggest losers of Mourinho's arrival at Old Trafford in the close-season. "I have to say that in the past couple of months my decisions in relation to Memphis were influenced by the feelings and information that he would like to leave in January and that we were going to have a real offer that we would be willing to accept," said Mourinho.

Obama's spat with Moscow is latest in long line Posted: 30 Dec 2016 04:35 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. relations with Moscow during and after the Cold War have been marred by diplomatic dustups ranging from espionage scandals to an Olympics boycott.

China says it will shut down ivory trade by end of 2017 Posted: 30 Dec 2016 04:31 PM PST JOHANNESBURG (AP) — China says it plans to shut down its ivory trade by the end of 2017 in a move designed to curb the mass slaughter of African elephants.

Feds: Jury should hear UN bribe suspect being called 'boss' Posted: 30 Dec 2016 04:00 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — Jurors in the trial of a Chinese billionaire at the center of a United Nations bribery case should know he was referred to as the "boss" by co-conspirators, prosecutors said Friday as they argued that defense lawyers were "far-fetched" to say the word suggests organized crime.

Panama sees no change in Taiwan, China ties despite Trump Posted: 30 Dec 2016 03:29 PM PST By Elida Moreno PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Panama does not expect any change in its relations with Taiwan or China, a senior official from the isthmus nation said on Friday, despite increased pressure from Beijing on Taiwan's allies to sever ties. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen will visit Latin America next month, against a tense backdrop after news of her phone call with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump angered China earlier this month. Panama is one of Taiwan's oldest friends but some diplomats in Beijing have said the Central American country could become the next nation to break ties.

Brazil policeman confesses to killing Greek ambassador: police Posted: 30 Dec 2016 03:24 PM PST By Paulo Prada RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A Rio de Janeiro policeman confessed to murdering Greece's ambassador to Brazil in what investigators on Friday called a "cowardly act" carried out at the direction of the diplomat's Brazilian wife with whom the officer was romantically involved. Ambassador Kyriakos Amiridis, 59, was missing since Monday night. Officer Sergio Moreira, 29, confessed to police on Friday that he killed the ambassador late Monday night in the Rio de Janeiro home the Amiridises owned in Nova Iguaçu, a hardscrabble neighborhood in Rio's sprawling, violent northern outskirts.

Polish plane makes emergency landing in Prague over threat Posted: 30 Dec 2016 03:21 PM PST PRAGUE (AP) — Officials say a Polish charter plane has made an emergency landing in the Czech Republic after its pilot reported a bomb threat on board.

U.S. scrambles to clear egg exports to bird flu-hit Korea Posted: 30 Dec 2016 03:12 PM PST By Tom Polansek CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. officials are urgently seeking an agreement with South Korea that would allow imports of American eggs so farmers can cash in on a shortage caused by the Asian country's worst-ever outbreak of bird flu. South Korea banned imports of U.S. table eggs last year after the United States grappled with its own bout of bird flu. If a new agreement is reached, U.S. shipments could bring some relief to South Koreans who have faced soaring egg prices and rationing since the outbreak there began last month.

Gopperth strikes down former club Newcastle as Wasps go top Posted: 30 Dec 2016 03:12 PM PST New Zealand utility back Jimmy Gopperth extended his lead at the top of the English Premiership points scorers charts on Friday as Wasps edged his former club Newcastle 34-30 to go top of the table. Gopperth, who also enjoyed a successful spell at Irish province Leinster before moving across the Irish Sea to join Wasps, made an immediate impact after coming on at the beginning of the second-half for an injured Danny Cipriani, who had made his mark by scoring a try in the opening period. Gopperth, 33, went over for a try which he converted to give the visitors the lead after trailing 22-21 at the break with the hosts having burst out from the blocks and scored two early tries to give themselves a 12-0 advantage.

Merkel urges Germany to face down terror with cohesion, compassion Posted: 30 Dec 2016 03:06 PM PST Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Germans Saturday to hold firm to democratic values in the face of jihadist terror, urging them to counter "murderers who are full of hate" with compassion and cohesion. In her New Year's address delivered less than two weeks after a Tunisian suspect rammed a truck into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people, Merkel acknowledged it was "bitter and sickening" that the attack and others in July were carried out by asylum seekers. "As we go on with our lives and work, we tell the terrorists: You are murderers full of hate, but you will not determine how we live and want to live.

Merkel says Islamist terrorism is biggest test for Germany Posted: 30 Dec 2016 03:03 PM PST Islamist terrorism is the biggest test facing Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday in a New Year's address to the nation, and she vowed to introduce laws that improve security after a deadly attack before Christmas in Berlin. Describing 2016 as a year that gave many the impression that the world had "turned upside down," Merkel urged Germans to forsake populism and said Germany had an interest in taking a leading role in addressing the many challenges facing the European Union. The European Union for example," Merkel said.

Merkel tells Germans their country is stronger than terror Posted: 30 Dec 2016 03:01 PM PST BERLIN (AP) — Chancellor Angela Merkel is telling Germans in her New Year message that their country is stronger than terrorism and the government will do everything to ensure "security in freedom."

Surge of Central Americans drive jump in border arrests Posted: 30 Dec 2016 02:51 PM PST SAN DIEGO (AP) — Central Americans attempting to enter the United States illegally on the nation's border with Mexico helped drive a 23 percent increase in U.S. Border Patrol arrests during the 2016 fiscal year, according to figures released Friday.

Puerto Rico governor under fire for pardoning politicians Posted: 30 Dec 2016 02:45 PM PST SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico's governor is coming under fire for pardoning several convicted criminals including two politicians found guilty of lewd acts and sexual harassment against female employees.

Knighthoods for Murray and Farah in New Year's Honors List Posted: 30 Dec 2016 02:37 PM PST LONDON (AP) — Andy Murray received a knighthood in Queen Elizabeth II's New Year's Honors list on Friday, recognition from the monarch for reaching the pinnacle of tennis by winning his second Wimbledon and Olympic titles on his way to topping the rankings.

Victoria Beckham, Mark Rylance receive UK honours Posted: 30 Dec 2016 02:36 PM PST Ex-Spice Girl turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham and Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance were among the public figures to receive Britain's traditional New Year Honours on Friday but two recipients turned theirs down. Beckham, who rose to fame in the 1990s girl band the Spice Girls and is married to former England footballer David Beckham, launched her first fashion label in 2006. Beckham was also criticised in British tabloid newspapers for telling her family she would be receiving an OBE before the announcement, with MP Peter Bone telling the Daily Mail it was "a betrayal of etiquette".

US says Islamic State chief alive, still leading Posted: 30 Dec 2016 02:32 PM PST The Pentagon said Friday it believes that Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is indeed alive, despite repeated efforts by the US-led coalition to take out the jihadist group leader. Baghdadi has kept a low profile, despite having declared himself the leader of a renewed Muslim caliphate, but last month released a defiant audio message urging his supporters to defend the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. "We do think Baghdadi is alive and is still leading ISIL and we are obviously doing everything we can to track his movements," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told CNN.

Mark Rylance, Victoria Beckham on Queen's list for honors Posted: 30 Dec 2016 02:31 PM PST LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II's New Year honors list focuses on sports stars, some luminaries from the world of fashion and entertainment, and a heavy helping of researchers, doctors and volunteers who have worked behind-the-scenes to improve the quality of British life.

Philadelphia Zoo euthanizes lion thought to have been oldest in U.S. Posted: 30 Dec 2016 02:25 PM PST (Reuters) - The Philadelphia Zoo has euthanized a 25-year-old lioness believed to have been the oldest lion in the United States after the animal suffered an acute decline in mobility and behavior, the zoo said on Friday. Lioness Zenda, born at the Johannesburg Zoo in 1991, arrived in Philadelphia in 1993 and became a fan favorite over the years, the Philadelphia Zoo said in a statement. "This remarkable cat will be missed by staff and guests alike, particularly by the keepers who catered to her changing needs as she grew old," said Dr. Andy Baker, chief operating officer at the Philadelphia Zoo.

Column: Handing out the Newbys for best and worst in sports Posted: 30 Dec 2016 02:19 PM PST We'll skip the nominees and go straight to the awards.

Senator McCain says Russia must pay price for hacking Posted: 30 Dec 2016 02:18 PM PST Republican U.S. Senator John McCain said on Friday that Russia must be made to pay the price for cyber attacks on the United States and that it was possible to impose many sanctions, including on financial institutions. McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has scheduled a hearing for Thursday on foreign cyber threats. "When you attack a country, it's an act of war," McCain said in an interview with the Ukrainian TV channel "1+1" while on a visit to Kiev.

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