DAMASCUS – The Syrian government has been deliberately and systematically razing homes, buildings and entire rebel-held neighbourhoods to the ground with bulldozers and explosives, according to a rights group. A new report, released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday, accused the regime troops of entering opposition strongholds and destroying the buildings. Razed to the…
LONDON – Some of the “most vulnerable” Syrian refugees will be temporarily resettled in the UK, Deputy PM Nick Clegg says. He said girls and women who had been victims of or were at risk of sexual violence, torture victims, and elderly and disabled people would get priority. This meant the coalition was ensuring Britain’s…
MELBOURNE – Rafael Nadal powered past Roger Federer to reach the Australian Open final and maintain his dominance over the 17-time Grand Slam champion. The world number one came through 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 6-3 and goes on to face Federer’s compatriot, Stanislas Wawrinka, for the title on Sunday. And the Spaniard, 27, will be a…
GENEVA – Syria’s government and main political opposition have traded bitter accusations as a major peace conference begins in Switzerland. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged delegates to engage in constructive discussions, but neither side appeared prepared to abandon their positions. US Secretary of State John Kerry said there was “no way possible” President Bashar…
DAMASCUS – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said he has no intention of quitting, and the issue is not up for discussion at next week’s peace talks. “If we wanted to surrender we would have surrendered from the start,” Mr Assad told Russian MPs in Damascus, according to Interfax news agency. The government, opposition groups…
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is to announce changes to US electronic spy programmes after revelations made by ex-intelligence contractor Edward Snowden. He aims to restore public confidence in the intelligence community. Mr Obama is expected to create a public advocate at the secretive court that approves intelligence collection. His proposals come hours after UK…
DAMASCUS – Western intelligence agencies have visited Damascus for talks on combating radical Islamist groups, Syria’s deputy foreign minister has told the BBC. Faisal Mekdad said there was a schism between Western security officials and politicians who are pressing President Bashar al-Assad to step down. The growth of jihadist groups among rebels fighting President Assad…
PARIS – The first lady of France, Valerie Trierweiler, has been hospitalized since Friday following allegations that President Francois Hollande has been having an affair with a French actress, a top member of Trierweiler’s staff said. Patrice Biancone, head of Trierweiler’s Elysee office, told CNN, “She needed rest. We are hoping that she will leave…
JERUSALEM – Israelis are filing past the body of ex-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon who has died aged 85 of heart failure after eight years in a coma. Draped in the national flag, the body is lying in state at the parliament building in Jerusalem. A private burial will take place on Monday. Israeli and world…
MADRID – A Spanish court has declared King Juan Carlos’ youngest daughter Cristina a suspect in alleged tax and money-laundering crimes. Cristina, 48, has been linked to the business affairs of her husband, former Olympic handball player Inaki Urdangarin, who is under investigation for alleged embezzlement of public funds. It is believed to be the…
