World Politics

EXTRA: Obama eases travel restrictions for Cuba

Obama eases travel restrictions for Cuba Washington - US President Barack Obama on Monday lifted all restrictions on Cuban Americans travelling and sending money back to their home country as part of a much-anticipated reversal of US policies toward Cuba. In an executive order, Obama will also allow humanitarian gifts to be sent to Cuba in what the White House billed as an effort to encourage a Democratic transition on the Communist island.

"President Obama believes the measure he has taken today will help make that goal a reality," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.

Iran, European Union agree on formula for nuclear talks - Summary

Iran, European Union agree on formula for nuclear talks - Summary Tehran- Iran and the European Union on Monday agreed to resume talks over Iran's controversial nuclear programme, which for the first time could involve direct negotiations with the United States. During a telephone conversation between Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saaid Jalili and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, the two sides agreed to pursue talks between Tehran and the so-called P5+1 group, state television network IRIB reported.

UN Security Council to act on North Korea missile launch

UN Security Council to act on North Korea missile launch New York - Held back from stronger steps by China and Russia, the United Nations Security Council was preparing later Monday to consider chastising North Korea for its rocket launch earlier this month. China and Russia, which have veto power on the council, had objected to a harsher reaction in the form of more sanctions as suggested by Japan and the United States, citing their concern that it would undermine the six-party talks aimed at getting Pyongyang to dismantle its nuclear programme.

Report: Obama to ease travel restrictions for Cuba

Report: Obama to ease travel restrictions for Cuba Washington - US President Barack Obama planned to ease travel and other restrictions to Cuba later Monday, allowing Cuban Americans to return home for longer periods in a reversal of former president George W Bush's policies, US media reported. The new policy was due to be revealed ahead of Obama's trip this week to a summit of North and South American leaders in Trinidad and Tobago, the Washington Post reported. The White House would not confirm the plans.

EU cautions against violence in Thailand

EU cautions against violence in Thailand Brussels - The European Union on Monday expressed "great concern" at the situation in Thailand and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between the country's government and opposition. The EU presidency urged anti-government demonstrators in Thailand to refrain from violence on the streets, saying this could lead to further tension and harm Thailand's stability and reputation.

The EU said it hoped the political divide could be overcome through dialogue and democratic means, within the framework of the constitution.

Palestinian president visits northern Iraq

Palestinian president visits northern Iraq Baghdad - In a surprise visit, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday arrived in Arbil, the capital of the Kurdish Autonomous Region in northern Iraq, Iraqi national television reported. Abbas arrived from Saudi Arabia, but had been in Baghdad last week. His visit to Baghdad was the first by a Palestinian president since the US-led invasion in 2003.

Last week in Baghdad, Abbas discussed the Middle East peace process and the situation of Palestinian refugees stranded on the Syrian-Iraqi border.

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