KEY STORYLINES
- AFRICA: The Botswanan government announced that it is cutting diplomatic relations with North Korea.
- AMERICAS: Mexican authorities captured Jesus Pena Gonzalez, the security chief of an associate of major drug lord, Joaquin ‘Chapo’ Guzman.
- ASIA: South Korea and China agreed to strengthen cooperation to denuclearize North Korea.
- EUROPE: In Spain, monitors reported that ETA is expected to make an announcement on disarmament.
- MIDDLE EAST: The IAEA reported that Iran’s stockpile of 20 percent enriched uranium declined for the first time in four years.
- TECHNOLOGY: The Venezuelan government is quietly increasing restrictions Internet freedom amid ongoing protests.
TOP STORY
- Ukraine: Government reports temporary deal in wake of clashes.
- President Yanukovych and opposition leaders are expected to sign a preliminary deal aimed at halting ongoing violence.
- The government reported that the signing was expected for 1000 GMT.
- A senior EU diplomat said the EU expects the “temporary” deal to go through.
- NATO SG Rasmussen said there would be severe consequences in the NATO-Ukraine partnership if the military is called to put down protests.
- The US said it was “outraged” that security forces had turned weapons on demonstrators.
- Coverage: AFP, AFP-2, AFP-3, BBC, CNN, DPA, Reuters, NYT
AFRICA
- Region: UNFAO warned water scarcity is one of the most urgent food security issues facing Near East and North Africa (Xinhua)
- Botswana: The government announced that it is cutting diplomatic relations with North Korea in response to human rights abuses. (Kyodo)
- Egypt: A US diplomat pressed the government to respect “basic rights and freedoms” as the trial of Al-Jazeera journalists began. (AFP)
- Somalia: The UN reported that President Mohamud was unharmed by a car bombing and suicide attack against the presidential palace in Mogadishu. (AFP)
- Sudan, South: UNSG Ban Ki-moon urged all parties in the country to ensure protection of civilians amid renewed clashes. (Xinhua)
AMERICAS
- Bolivia: Local media reported that the EU will help the country improve justice administration at request of President Evo Morales. (Xinhua)
- Mexico: Authorities captured Jesus Pena Gonzalez, the security chief of an associate of major drug lord, Joaquin ‘Chapo’ Guzman. (AFP)
- Panama: Work resumed on the Panama Canal as the government continued negotiations with the the European-led GUPC consortium. (EFE)
ASIA
- Region: South Korea and China agreed to strengthen cooperation to denuclearize North Korea (Yonhap)
- Afghanistan: Militants attacked a police compound near Kabul killing one and injuring four. (AP)
- Thailand: Protesting rice farmers called off a tractor drive to Bangkok’s main airport after an assurance of payment (Reuters)
- Vietnam: Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai called for nationwide preventive measures to combat the spread of avian flu (Xinhua)
EUROPE
- Italy: Party sources reported that center-left leader Matteo Renzi is close to naming the members of his government and is expected to meet with President Napolitano. (Reuters)
- Spain: Monitors reported that ETA is expected to make an announcement on disarmament. (AFP)
- United Kingdom: Finance Minister George Osborne reiterated that it will not be possible for Scotland to keep using the pound if it votes to become independent. (AFP)
MIDDLE EAST
- Region: Iran has stepped up support for Syrian President Assad, providing elite teams to gather intelligence and train troops. (Reuters)
- Iran: The IAEA reported that the country’s stockpile of 20 percent enriched uranium declined for the first time in four years.(Xinhua)
- Syria: An increasing number of refugees are going to Mexico as a gateway to possible US asylum. (WSJ)
TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS
- Communications: The Venezuelan government is quietly increasing restrictions Internet freedom amid ongoing protests. (Mashable)
WORLD
- Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 15S (Guito)
- Location: 795 NM SSW of Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Movement: S at 14 mph
- Winds: 70 mph
- Map
- Hurricanes: Nothing to report.
- Earthquakes: Nothing to report.
- Volcanoes: Nothing to report.
- Global Disease Outbreaks:
- Novel Coronavirus (MERS-CoV, SARS-related)
TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (22FEB)
- Global: G20 Meetings of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Sydney, Australia
- Philippines: People Power Day – 1986
- Singapore: Participants in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) meet for a ministerial meeting (to 25FEB)
- St. Lucia: Independence Day – 1979
- Syria and Egypt: Anniversary of United Arab Republic – 1958
END
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