- Overnight News Summaries ,
- Tags: Africa, Colombia, earthquake, FARC, Iraq, Middle East, Protest, Spain, Tunisia, Uganda
- 26 Apr
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
- Cyclones: Nothing to report
- Hurricanes: Nothing to report
- Earthquakes: Nothing to report
- Volcanoes: Nothing to report
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