World News Briefs -- February 17, 2014 (Evening Edition)

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iGYY6AmGFZo" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>UN Urges Probe Into 'Atrocious' N. Korean Crimes -- Voice of America</b></span></div><br />SEOUL — A new United Nations report accuses North Korea of “unspeakable atrocities," many of which amount to crimes against humanity. <br /><br />The U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea is calling for an international tribunal to investigate the alleged crimes and to bring those most responsible to justice. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/un-report-north-korean-leaders-commit-crimes-against-humanity/1852724.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MIDDLE EAST</b></span></div><br />Syria peace talks failure spurs <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-syria-crisis-idUSBREA1G0R420140217">U.S.-Russia recriminations.</a></b><br /><br />Syria blames US for creating 'negative climate' <b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/16/syria-foreign-minister-says-us-tried-to-create-very-negative-climate-for-geneva/">at Geneva talks</a></b>.<br /><br />Kerry accuses Assad of stonewalling <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/17/kerry-accuses-assad-stonewalling-peace-talks/">in peace talks</a></b>.<br /><br />Hezbollah leader Nasrallah vows to<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26222171"> keep fighters in Syria</a></b>.<br /><br />Bomb attacks kill at least <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-iraq-violence-idUSBREA1G1AY20140217">24 in Iraq capital</a></b>. Iraq attacks kill 17, army fights to<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/16/us-iraq-violence-idUSBREA1F0FZ20140216"> retake town from militants</a></b>.<br /><br />Israel PM says Iran only winner <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/israel-pm-says-iran-only-winner-nuclear-talks-193926004.html;_ylt=AwrBEiF3ZgJTshcA5pLQtDMD">from nuclear talks</a></b>.<br /><br />Iran seen honoring nuclear deal but <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-iran-nuclear-iaea-idUSBREA1G13F20140217">stockpile may grow: diplomats</a></b>. Iran official: US has accepted <b><a href="http://dailycaller.com/2014/02/17/iran-official-us-has-accepted-countrys-nuclear-enrichment/">country’s nuclear enrichment.</a></b><br /><br />Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says nuclear talks <b><a href="http://www.timesofoman.com/News/Article-29933.aspx">will ‘lead nowhere</a></b>.<br /><br />Iran says Russia could build nuclear reactor <b><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/russia-iran-oil-idINL6N0LM14120140217">in exchange for oil</a></b>. Putin sparks fury amid claims Russia could build a second nuclear reactor <b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2561217/Putin-sparks-fury-amid-claims-Russia-build-second-nuclear-reactor-Iran-return-oil.html">in Iran in return for oil</a></b>.<br /><br />Iran says it may send forces <b><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/iran-says-it-may-send-forces-into-pakistan-territory-1.268138">into Pakistan territory</a></b>.<br /><br />US leans on diplomacy <b><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140216/DEFREG04/302160016/US-Leans-Diplomacy-Middle-East">in Middle East</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ASIA</b></span></div><br />Torture, executions, rapes: the UN's dossier <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/17/torture-executions-rapes-north-korea-human-rights">on North Korea's state abuses</a></b>. NK leaders accused of <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/02/nk-leaders-accused-crimes-against-humanity-2014217131956791816.html">crimes against humanity</a></b> .<br /><br />UN 'wants North Korean <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26220304">regime crimes punished'</a></b>.<br /><br />N. Korea promotes military chiefs as it <b><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140216/n-korea-promotes-military-chiefs-it-marks-late-leaders-birth">marks late leader's birth</a></b>.<br /><br />Asia-Pacific stability depends on success of <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-indonesia-kerry-asean-idUSBREA1G15K20140217">ASEAN code of conduct: Kerry</a></b>.<br /><br />Nepal plane crash in bad weather <b><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-incidents/nepal-plane-crash-in-bad-weather-killed-all-18-on-board-20140218-hvcrx.html">killed all 18 on board</a></b>.<br /><br />10 dead, dozens trapped in <b><a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/10-dead-dozens-trapped-in/1001480.html">South Korea building collapse</a></b>.<br /><br />Pakistan peace talks hit <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/02/pakistan-peace-talks-with-taliban-collapse-201421710584693817.html">by soldier's deaths</a></b>. Pakistan scraps Taliban talks after <b><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-17/pakistan-scraps-taliban-talks-after-23-kidnapped-troops-killed">23 kidnapped troops killed</a></b>.<br /><br />Karzai orders changes to bill <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26228135">that outraged rights groups</a></b>.<br /><br />Defiant Thai protesters <b><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Defiant-Thai-protesters-besiege-government-buildings/articleshow/30572498.cms">besiege government buildings</a></b>.<br /><br />Japan's quarterly growth disappoints<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26222281"> ahead of sales tax hike</a></b>.<br /><br />11 dead in <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/16/world/asia/japan-heavy-snow-weekend/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2">record Japan snowfall</a></b>.<br /><br />China says keen on meeting with Taiwan president,<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-china-taiwan-idUSBREA1G04F20140217"> but no rush</a></b>.<br /><br />Prostitution crackdown in China<b><a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/02/17/Prostitution-crackdown-in-China-detains-501-people/UPI-43181392668606/"> detains 501 people</a></b>.<br /><br />Pakistani polio strain <b><a href="http://apnews.myway.com/article/20140217/DAC0RKH02.html">threatens global campaign.</a></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AFRICA</b></span></div><br />Libyans mark anniversary <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/libyans-mark-anniversary-of-revolution/1852791.html">of revolution</a></b>.<br /><br />Burundi army won't intervene in <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-burundi-crisis-idUSBREA1G13T20140217">political crisis: minister</a></b>.<br /><br />Tensions high in CAR town <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/tensions-high-in-car-town-of-kaga-bandoro/1852717.html">of Kaga Bandoro.</a></b><br /><br />Boko Haram gunmen kill scores in<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/17/boko-haram-nigeria-village-izge"> remote Nigerian village</a></b>.<br /><br />S.Sudan army denies using cluster bombs <b><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/southsudan-unrest-idINL6N0LM34820140217">after fragments found</a></b>.<br /><br />Counting the dead <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/02/counting-dead-south-sudan-2014216115224123347.html">in South Sudan</a></b>.<br /><br />Ethiopian plane hijacked <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/17/ethiopian-plane-hijacked-geneva-co-pilot/">to Geneva by co-pilot</a></b>.<br /><br />Uganda: Wanted LRA rebel commander<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/uganda-wanted-lra-rebel-commander-believed-dead-115914918.html"> believed dead.</a></b><br /><br />Egyptian population explosion <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/16/egypt-population-explosion-social-unrest">worsens social unrest</a></b>.<br /><br />UN: Weapons for Somalia government <b><a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/02/17/278389250/troops-escort-muslims-out-of-central-african-republic">diverted to militants</a></b>.<br /><br />Sudan, Egypt hold talks on <b><a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article49982">Nile resources in Khartoum</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EUROPE</b></span></div><br />Sochi 2014 Olympics:<b><a href="http://winter-games.reuters.com/"> Live</a></b><br /><br />Sochi Olympics: Putin maintains <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/17/sochi-olympics-putin-maintains-disciplined-show/">a disciplined show</a></b>.<br /><br />Sochi Olympics gold medal count:<b><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Olympics/2014/0217/Sochi-Olympics-gold-medal-count-Germany-leads"> Germany leads</a></b>.<br /><br />EU reels from ‘breathtaking’ <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/eu-reels-from-breathtaking-corruption-report/1852955.html">corruption report</a></b>.<br /><br />New IRA sent bombs to army recruitment centres, <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/feb/17/new-ira-sent-bombs-army-recruitment-centres-britain">Met confirms</a></b>.<br /><br />Russia boosts Ukraine's Yanukovich <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140217">with $2 billion fresh credit</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukraine amnesty comes into force <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26220905">after protesters retreat</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukraine opposition seek curbs <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140217">on Yanukovich powers</a></b>.<br /><br />Italian president set to ask Matteo Renzi <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/16/italy-matteo-renzi-government">to form new government</a></b>.<br /><br />‘Nearly impossible’ for an independent Scotland to join EU, <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/scotland-eu-membership-barroso-307/">says EC President</a></b>.<br /><br />Data protection: Angela Merkel <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26210053">proposes Europe network</a></b>.<br /><br />EU halts Switzerland <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26225121">research and education talks</a></b>.<br /><br />Third of Afghan heroin goes to Russia – <b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/world/20140215/187571301/Third-of-Afghan-Heroin-Goes-to-Russia--Kremlin-Official.html">Kremlin official</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AMERICAS</b></span></div><br />Honduras murder rate falls in 2013,<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-honduras-homicides-idUSBREA1G1E520140217"> but remains world's highest</a></b>.<br /><br />Venezuela's Lopez says ready for arrest <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1F0SQ20140217">at Tuesday march</a></b>.<br /><br />Venezuela president expels <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26220184">three US consular officials</a></b>.<br /><br />Venezuela split by <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/venezuelans-stage-dueling-protests-190939524.html">pro- and anti-Maduro protests.</a></b><br /><br />Brazil rations water in 140 cities amid<b><a href="http://rt.com/news/water-ration-drought-brazil-253/"> worst drought in decades</a></b>.<br /><br />Excessive radiation levels detected <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/excessive-radiation-levels-detected-mexico-waste-014933508.html">at New Mexico waste site.</a></b><br /><br />'Killer heroin' causing <b><a href="http://www.breitbart.com/system/wire/ap_c0538b47e95d437ea8a58a55c9bec100">fatal overdoses in U.S. East</a></b>.<br /><br />US drug policy fuels push for <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/us-drug-policy-fuels-push-legal-pot-worldwide-130121981.html">legal pot worldwide</a></b>.<br /><br />Report: Americans completely reliant on China <b><a href="http://dailycaller.com/2014/02/17/report-americans-completely-reliant-on-china-for-antibiotics/">for antibiotics.</a></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR</b></span></div><br />USS Cole hearing halted<b><a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/02/17/218404/uss-cole-hearing-halted-at-guantanamo.html"> at Guantanamo</a></b>.<br /><br />September 11 court case taking<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/september-11-court-case-taking-years-before-trial/1852747.html"> years before trial</a></b>.<br /><br />Radical group in Syria even too brutal <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/17/radical-group-syria-even-too-brutal-al-qaeda-repor/">for al Qaeda, report says</a></b>.<br /><br />South Korean tourists <b><a href="http:///">killed in Egypt bombing</a></b>.<br /><br />Six suspected terrorists <b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/crime/20140217/187617391/Six-Suspected-Terrorists-Detained-in-Kyrgyzstan.html">detained in Kyrgyzstan</a></b>.<br /><br />The tangled web of words that <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/16/the-term-al-qaeda-becomes-a-tangled-web-of-words/">‘al Qaeda’ has become</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS</b></span></div><br />Foreign banks bracing for tough<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/16/us-usa-banks-capital-idUSBREA1F0C520140216"> U.S. Fed capital rules.</a></b><br /><br />Google buys sound authentication firm <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26222424">SlickLogin.</a></b><br /><br />Detroit bankruptcy bond fight a watershed <b><a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/detroit-bankruptcy-bond-fight-watershed-130913134.html">for municipal market</a></b>.

World News Briefs -- February 17, 2014 (Evening Edition)

UN Urges Probe Into 'Atrocious' N. Korean Crimes -- Voice of America SEOUL — A new United Nations report accuses North Korea of “un...

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