ONS: 16 February 2013

By TRG Alerts Admin

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

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

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