- Overnight News Summaries ,
- Tags: Africa, Bahrain, Chad, China, Colombia, earthquake, Facebook, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Middle East, Protest, protests, Social media, Tehran, United States, Yemen
- 16 Feb
KEY STORYLINES
- AFRICA: The top Tuareg officer in the Malian army urged France on to keep its forces in Mali for as long as it takes to permanently drive out islamist rebels.
- AMERICAS: In Colombia, the ELN released five foreign workers kidnapped last month from a mining project.
- ASIA: In Afghanistan, the US Army chief of staff said he may be forced to extend deployments of soldiers next year because budget cuts will limit training for replacement brigades.
- EUROPE: In Italy, Giovanni Esposito, considered one of the Neapolitan Camorra Mafia’s most wanted bosses, was arrested.
- MIDDLE EAST: Israeli and Gaza-rulers Hamas have been holding indirect talks on easing the blockade on the Palestinian enclave.
- TECHNOLOGY: Facebook Inc. said it was the target of hackers but no user information was compromised during the attack.
TOP STORY
- Syria: International pressure rises as tensions in region increase
- French DM Le Drian called for urgent action to bring about a power transfer in Syria that excludes President Assad.
- The minister’s remarks came after the umbrella opposition National Council said it refused to accept Assad in any talks on ending Syria’s 23-month conflict.
- The US Ambassador to Lebanon Connelly said the US remains concerned over the developments in Syria that affects security situation in Lebanon.
- The ICRC said the plight of civilians in Syria has now reached catastrophic levels.
- The Syrian Foreign Ministry accused Turkey of hindering the Syrian political process.
- Coverage: AFP, AFP-2, NYT, Xinhua, Xinhua-2
AFRICA
- Chad: President Deby fired two ministers in charge of security after his suspension of the nation’s entire police force following allegations of graft, favoritism and abuse. (Reuters)
- Ivory Coast: The country became a member of the ICC, where its former president is facing trial over alleged crimes against humanity. (AFP)
- Mali: The top Tuareg officer in the army urged France on to keep its forces in Mali for as long as it takes to permanently drive out islamist rebels. (Reuters)
- Mali: The “Red Beret”, an elite army unit loyal to the ousted president that has clashed repeatedly with rival units, will be dispersed by March. (AFP)
- Nigeria: A bomb targeting soldiers killed at least two people in the northeastern city of Maiduguri. (AFP)
AMERICAS
- Brazil: The Brazilian government sent military reinforcements to tackle a wave of violence in the southern state of Santa Catarina. (BBC)
- Colombia: The ELN released five foreign workers kidnapped last month from a mining project. (EFE)
- Haiti: UN Acting Special Representative Nigel Fishersaid the country is “not yet” ready for foreign investment. (AP)
- Mexico: One of the country’s highest officials said capturing fugitive Sinaloa drug cartel boss Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman is the Mexican government’s “most important” objective. (EFE)
- United States: The US Embassy in Mexico issued a statement denying an article in The New York Times that reported that the US intervened the determination of the Mexican cabinet. (NYT)
ASIA
- Afghanistan: The US Army chief of staff said he may be forced to extend deployments of soldiers next year because budget cuts will limit training for replacement brigades. (AP)
- Australia: Australian politician Nick Xenophon was declared a security risk and taken into custody when he arrived in the Malaysian capital. (DPA)
- India: Police said they lifted a strict curfew across Indian-controlled Kashmir imposed one week ago. (AP)
- Korea, North: The US called on the DPRK not to take any further provocative steps. (AFP)
- Pakistan: The military condemned the killing of its soldier who had mistakenly crossed into the Indian part of Kashmir. (Xinhua)
EUROPE
- Albania: The US warned leaders in Albania to stop stoking nationalism in the run-up to an election because they risk destabilizing the region. (Reuters)
- Italy: Giovanni Esposito, considered one of the Neapolitan Camorra Mafia’s most wanted bosses, was arrested. (UPI)
- Italy: US President Obama consulted with Italy’s President Napolitano on the implications of his country’s looming elections. (AFP)
- Turkey: A Turkish news agency said demonstrators clashed with police during protests marking the 14th anniversary of the capture of Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan. (AP)
MIDDLE EAST
- Bahrain: Four people were arrested in Bahrain after an overnight attack on security forces that wounded four policemen. (AFP)
- Iran: The Supreme Leader said Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, but that no power could stop Tehran’s access to an atomic bomb if it intended to build it. (AP)
- Iraq: A suicide blast in the north of the country killed a senior military official and three bodyguards. (AP)
- Israel: Israeli and Gaza-rulers Hamas have been holding indirect talks on easing the blockade on the Palestinian enclave. (AFP)
- Yemen: The UNSC warned Yemen’s former president and vice-president that they could face possible sanctions, along with others reported to be interfering in the country’s transition. (AP)
TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS
- Social media: Facebook Inc. said it was the target of hackers but no user information was compromised during the attack. (AP)
WORLD
- Cyclones: Nothing to report.
- Hurricanes: Nothing to report.
- Earthquake: 28km SE of Caburan, Philippines
- Magnitude: 6.2
- Depth: 98.2 km
- Map
- Earthquake: 219km ENE of Tairua, New Zealand
- Magnitude: 6.0
- Depth: 190.3 km
- Map
- Volcanoes: Nothing to report.
TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (17FEB)
- Asia: Anniversary of China invading Vietnam – 1979 .
- Cyprus: Presidential Election.
- Ecuador: Presidential and parliamentary elections.
- Israel: Trial of former FM Avigdor Lieberman on charges of corruption.
- Kosovo: Kosovo declares independence – 2008.
- Libya: Anniversary of the start of the uprising against former Libyan leader Gaddafi – 2011.
END