Yemen asks rebels to implement truce to end war
SANAA (Reuters) – Yemen has given Shi’ite rebels a timetable for implementing the government’s ceasefire terms, a Yemeni presidential adviser said on Saturday, in an attempt to end one of three conflicts besetting the country.
Iraq group says it has kidnapped U.S. contractor
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – An Iraqi militant group said on Saturday it kidnapped a U.S. civilian contractor last month and was negotiating the release of the body of another.
Blizzard paralyzes mid-Atlantic; two killed
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A blizzard producing heavy snow and powerful winds pummeled the U.S. mid-Atlantic on Saturday, causing at least two fatalities and paralyzing travel in the region.
Euro zone seeks to calm Greek crisis fears at G7
IQALUIT, Canada (Reuters) – The euro zone’s top finance officials sought on Saturday to calm concerns about a deep budget crisis that has roiled financial markets and raised questions about the future of the single currency group.
U.S., Germany say Iran not ready for nuclear deal
ANKARA/MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) – The United States and Germany said on Saturday they saw no sign Tehran would make concessions on its nuclear programme, despite upbeat comments from Iran’s foreign minister over prospects for a deal.
Abbas awaits U.S. clarification over peace talks offer
CAIRO (Reuters) – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Saturday he had asked the United States to clarify its offer to mediate indirect peace talks with Israel before he would announce any decision to resume the negotiations.
Mudslides damage, wreck homes in L.A. foothills
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Dozens of homes were damaged and some destroyed in the fire-scarred foothills above Los Angeles on Saturday as mudslides touched off by torrential rains poured down onto upscale neighborhoods.
NATO allies to shuffle Afghan pledges to add training
ANKARA/MUNICH (Reuters) – NATO allies plan to reshuffle rather than expand existing troop commitments to Afghanistan, sending more military trainers in place of combat forces to ready the Afghan army and police to take control, senior U.S. and NATO officials said on Saturday.
Shuttle set for Sunday launch amid space plan shift
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (Reuters) – NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour will blast off on Sunday on one of the last remaining shuttle missions, and the U.S. agency’s chief said on Saturday the days of big American solo initiatives in space were over.
Mudslide kills 11 people in rain-sodden Mexico
VALLE DE BRAVO, Mexico (Reuters) – A mudslide in central Mexico has killed at least 11 people after days of heavy rain that had already caused flooding and fatalities elsewhere in the country.