ONS: 26 April 2013

By TRG Alerts Admin

KEY STORYLINES

AFRICA: The UN Security Council authorized a new peacekeeping mission in Mali composing of 12,600 international troops and police.
AMERICAS: Venezuelan opposition politician Capriles will challenge the election’s results in the country’s courts.
ASIA: After North Korea rejected a proposal for talks on the Kaesong industrial complex by the South, dismissing them as “little short of an ‘ultimatum,” South Korea suggested its workers withdraw from the complex.
EUROPE: Cyprus’ Finance Ministry eased capital control restrictions.
MIDDLE EAST: The Israeli military said it shot down a drone, five nautical miles off the coast of its northern port of Haifa, after tracking it for an hour as it flew south along the Lebanese coast.
TECHNOLOGY: AT&T launched home automation and security services in 15 cities; allowing control of various household functions via tablet or smartphone.

TOP STORY

Syria: Chemical weapons use “probable; US “red line” in spotlight as calls for international response mounted
- The White House stated it suspected the Assad government had used chemical weapons on a small scale, but required additional proof.
- UK PM Cameron stated there was growing evidence of chemical weapon use, but that the involvement of British troops in response was unlikely.
- Syrian opposition group National Coalition called for the UNSC to take immediate action following the statement by the US.
- Israel’s deputy foreign minister Zeev Elkin said the international community must be ready to use military action in response to chemical weapons use.
- Coverage: Reuters, ABC News, Al Jazeera, Guardian, BBC, NYT, AP, AFP

AFRICA

Region: The Ethiopian government denied criticism it was “shirking responsibility” by withdrawing its forces from Somalia. (AFP)
Guinea: At least one person was killed and several wounded in clashes between protesters and security forces in Conakry. (Reuters)
Mali: The UN Security Council authorized a new peacekeeping mission of 12,600 international troops and police for the country. (NYT)
Sudan: According to a report by the Washington-based Resolve group, the government appears to be providing shelter to Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. (AFP)

AMERICAS

Colombia: The FARC thanked US lawmakers for supporting peace talks underway in Havana. (AP)
Venezuela: Authorities seized 2.7 tons of cocaine in the northwestern Zulia state. (Xinhua)
Venezuela: Opposition politician Capriles will challenge the election’s results in the country’s courts. (Reuters)

ASIA

Bangladesh: Rescue efforts at a building collapse in Dhaka had to be suspended due to clashes between relatives protesting the slow pace and police. (Guardian)
Korean Peninsula: After North Korea rejected a proposal for talks on the Kaesong industrial complex by the South, dismissing them as “little short of an ‘ultimatum,” South Korea suggested its workers withdraw from the complex. (Xinhua, AP)
Pakistan: A bomb exploded outside a MQM office in Karachi, killing five. (NYT)
Philippines: Gunmen ambushed a campaign vehicle in the southern part of the country, wounding a mayor and killing 10. (AP)

EUROPE

Cyprus: The country’s Finance Ministry eased capital control restrictions. (Xinhua)
Italy: Former PM Berlusconi called for authorities to “confront” the EU over austerity policies. (AFP)
Italy: PM designate Letta held talks on forming a coalition government. (Reuters)
Spain: The government prepared to unveil a new series of measures designed to revitalize the economy. (BBC)

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq: The death toll from three days of violence across the country reached over 190. (AFP)
Iraq: Security forces moved back into the northern town of Sulaiman Bek in Salaheddin province following an agreed withdrawal by gunmen who overran it. (AFP)
Israel: The military said it shot down a drone, five nautical miles off the coast of its northern port of Haifa, after tracking it for an hour as it flew south along the Lebanese coast. (NYT)
Syria: Activists reported heavy fighting between rebel and government forces in northern Damascus. (AP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Smartphone Integration: AT&T launched home automation and security services in 15 cities; allowing control of various household functions via tablet or smartphone. (AP)

WORLD

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (27APR)

Colombia: Anniversary of Simon Bolivar’s abdication as president of Colombia – 1830.
Iceland: Parliamentary elections.
Palestinian Territories: Second anniversary of Fatah and Hamas’ signature of a reconciliation agreement – 2011.
Tunisia: Tentative date for finalization of the new constitution.

END